Will reforming the triple lock pay for social care reform?
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has proposed adjusting the state pension 'triple lock' starting in 2030 to help fund a new national care service. The reform aims to track average earnings over a longer period rather than annually, though analysts suggest it may not generate sufficient savings to cover the full cost of social care reform.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in UK fiscal policy regarding the sustainability of the state pension and the funding of long-term social care.
Image source, Getty Images By Ben Chu Policy and analysis correspondent, BBC Verify Published 29 September 2026 In his Labour conference speech, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would "adjust" the triple lock on the state pension to help pay for a new "national care service" in England from 2030.
While his proposed reform is likely to reduce public spending on pensions, analysts say it would be unlikely to save enough money between 2030 and 2040 to pay for comprehensive social care reform.
BBC Verify has looked at the key figures.
Since it was introduced by the coalition government in 2011, the triple lock has guaranteed that the UK state pension rises each year in line with whichever is the highest of inflation, average wages, or 2.5%.
Burnham said that from April 2030, instead, it would only rise in line with the highest of inflation or 2.5%.
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