Public opinion on the pensions triple lock has reportedly shifted following a recent speech by Andy Burnham. The speech, which connected reform of the triple lock with the creation of a national care service, appears to have influenced public sentiment.
Previously, polls showed strong support for maintaining the triple lock, which ensures pensions rise faster than average incomes. A Persuasion UK poll this week found 65% in favour of keeping it, with a Times YouGov poll this month reporting as high as 93% of pension-age people defending it. However, YouGov now reports that 48% support the Burnham plan, with 28% against, while Survation finds 64% backing it and 15% against.
Kemi Badenoch's Tories have reportedly protested the plan, describing it as "robbing Peter to pay Paul." Nigel Farage's party has vowed that "Reform UK will always protect our pensioners and maintain the triple lock."
Yvette Cooper, the health secretary, this week announced the first national pension scheme for care workers. Louise Casey is expected to report next year on potential solutions for social care.