{"id":27424,"date":"2026-05-03T00:27:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T00:27:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/27424\/"},"modified":"2026-05-03T00:27:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T00:27:27","slug":"the-new-plan-to-scrap-the-state-pension-triple-lock-and-what-could-replace-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/27424\/","title":{"rendered":"The new plan to scrap the state pension triple lock \u2014 and what could replace it"},"content":{"rendered":"

The \u201cunaffordable\u201d state pension should be scrapped along with the triple lock<\/a> and replaced by a new fund which pays out early if people need it for ill health, unemployment or caring reasons, Sir Tony Blair\u2019s think-tank says today.<\/p>\n

A report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) says the current state pension is \u201coutdated, increasingly unaffordable and too rigid for the way people live and work\u201d and that the UK\u2019s ageing population means reform is unavoidable.<\/p>\n

Due to the triple lock, funding of the state pension<\/a> \u2013 which sees it increase by the higher of inflation, wages or 2.5 per cent each year \u2013 is one of the biggest areas of government expenditure, costing around \u00a3146bn a year, equivalent to 5 per cent of GDP.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShorts \u2013 Quick stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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Can you learn to love pigeons? A much-unloved animal in the UK<\/p>\n

Features writer Kasia Delgado went on a safari to see if she
could look past their rat-like nature<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The tour guide<\/p>\n

People think pigeons are stupid but lots of studies have shown them to have amazing memories, that they can identify people by their facial features, and they have an extraordinary sense of direction.<\/p>\n

Florence Wilkinson, author of Wild City: Encounters with Urban Wildlife, took Kasia on a tour.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nPositives of pigeons\n<\/p>\n

War heroes<\/p>\n

During the Second World War, carrier pigeons were routinely used to send messages, and they saved thousands of lives.<\/p>\n

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Homing ability<\/p>\n

Scientists have put them in blacked-out vans and put miniature goggles on them to blur their vision and still the pigeons manage to return home.<\/p>\n

The Dove family<\/p>\n

We think of them as all grey, but they vary in shades, and some of them are quite amazingly coloured, says Florence.<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Kasia\u2019s feeding test<\/p>\n

As I gingerly chuck some seed, wincing slightly, 15 or so flap their wings at me. I wouldn\u2019t say I feel content or relaxed but I don\u2019t hate it as much as I thought I would.
I can see they\u2019re not going to do me harm and after all, they\u2019re just enjoying some free food.<\/p>\n

\nA common myth?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Disease carriers<\/p>\n

Research has found that between 1941 and 2004, there were only 207 reports worldwide of pathogens transmitted from pigeons to humans.<\/p>\n

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Not all walks are
created equal<\/p>\n

Read on to find out how to supercharge yours into an unbeatable health-builder<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nHow to supercharge your walk\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Get a bit breathless<\/p>\n

All walking paces are linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease but there are additional gains made by those who walk at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity.<\/p>\n

Walk uphill<\/p>\n

Try to find varying inclines to increase energy and muscle burn.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Add weights<\/p>\n

The extra resistance challenges your heart to work harder, increasing cardiovascular fitness.<\/p>\n

\nHow to supercharge your walk\n<\/p>\n

Uneven ground<\/p>\n

Mountainous and uneven terrain work your stabilising muscles harder, increasing the difficulty and output from your walk.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Go Nordic<\/p>\n

Using poles engages the arms as well as the legs and core, turning walking into a full-body workout.<\/p>\n

\nA walk is beneficial at any time of day, but after eating could be best. Research has found that 10- to 30-minute walks taken 10 to 30 minutes after a meal can reduce the peak blood-sugar measurements reached.\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Slower and lower blood sugar throughout the day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n

\nHow to supercharge your walk\n<\/p>\n

Go green<\/p>\n

Walking in nature has more psychological benefits than concrete. It\u2019s shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Improve your posture<\/p>\n

Staying tall through the spine, open your chest and keep your eyes forward (not leaning over on your phone..).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Meet outside<\/p>\n

Walking is a good time to have conversations, whether with your boss or a friend.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nMistakes to avoid\n<\/p>\n

1Focusing on step count \u2013 most research suggests that benefits plateau at 7,000 steps a day.<\/p>\n

2Using ankle weights \u2013 they can tug at the hip flexors and the knees.<\/p>\n

3 Doing one-and-done \u2013 just hiking for three hours on the weekend, and nothing throughout the week, means you\u2019re missing out on benefits.<\/p>\n

4Thinking it\u2019s not a workout \u2013 walking packs in cardio and brain-boosting effects without the recovery time of intense exercise.<\/p>\n

Eight million people in the UK are living with heart or circulatory disease<\/p>\n

And while chest pain is a well-known symptom, there are more subtle signs you should be aware of too.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nOverlooked signs of heart disease\n<\/p>\n

Dizziness and fainting<\/p>\n

An abnormal heart rhythm can cause a dizzy feeling. While much dizziness is not serious, it can be associated with life-threatening complications.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Increased breathlessness<\/p>\n

This breathlessness could be due to blockages and reduced blood flow in the arteries.<\/p>\n

Swollen ankles<\/p>\n

Unusual swelling can indicate a problem with the body\u2019s circulatory system and kidneys.<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Worsening fatigue<\/p>\n

Ongoing and worsening fatigue can\u202findicate\u202fan underlying health issue, and it could be a sign\u202fthat your heart\u202fisn\u2019t\u202fworking as effectively as it should be. If persistent fatigue is impacting you day-to-day, the best thing to do is speak with your doctor.<\/p>\n

Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation<\/p>\n

\nOverlooked signs of heart disease\n<\/p>\n

Indigestion-type symptoms
Discomfort in the stomach, chest and ribs, or a burning sensation in the chest area, could all be symptoms of heart disease.<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Erectile dysfunction
If it\u2019s an ongoing issue, there could be an underlying health problem, including atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), diabetes or high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Emotional detachment is a key life skill<\/p>\n

Read on to find out how to embrace it, from GP Dr Radha<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Healthy detachment<\/p>\n

[Detachment] is not selfish \u2013 we can still care and empathise. We don\u2019t avoid, we just balance and respond rather than react because we are not too invested in the outcome. This is very different from emotional numbing, which often happens after trauma.<\/p>\n

dr Radha Modgil<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nWhen we need detachment\n<\/p>\n

Toxic friendships<\/p>\n

When you feel that an interaction brings out the worst in you, or that you are having to watch everything you say or do.<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Dysfunctional families<\/p>\n

Healthy detachment is helpful when we become overly invested in trying to control or fix someone.<\/p>\n

Work issues<\/p>\n

It\u2019s helpful in situations you are not in control of and helps you leave work behind at 5pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nHow to start it\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Examine your beliefs<\/p>\n

You may have been conditioned to think that it is your responsibility to fix everything. Is this a fact or based on old patterns?<\/p>\n

Look at the impact<\/p>\n

Consider what negative impact your \u201cfixing\u201d has; it can keep situations stuck, or infantilise others from growing up.<\/p>\n

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Which problems are in your control? <\/p>\n

Understanding what problems are ours to hold and which aren\u2019t can help avoid emotional burnout.<\/p>\n

\nHow to maintain it\n<\/p>\n

Firm boundaries<\/p>\n

This means understanding your sense of self, what is yours and what is not and sticking to it.<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Self-care<\/p>\n

Recognise and look after your own energy levels,\u00a0mental health and your need to live your own life.<\/p>\n

Be objective<\/p>\n

Try to have a factual, calm, rational attitude in moments of conflict. This includes trying to release the need to control.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

I spent a week in the world\u2019s happiest country<\/p>\n

Here are the five ways I
brought Finnish culture back to the UK.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nSauna, sauna, sauna\n<\/p>\n

A regular Finnish sauna boasts a wealth of health benefits: improved cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

In Finnish culture, the sauna is available for everyone: it\u2019s the great equaliser and forms a gently ritualistic part of the day.<\/p>\n

\nImmerse yourself in nature\n<\/p>\n

It is enshrined in Finnish law that anyone living in or visiting Finland has the freedom to roam the countryside, forage, fish, ski, or camp temporarily.<\/p>\n

70 per cent of Finland is forest and they have an estimated 180,000 lakes, of which Lake Saimaa (the one I visited) is the largest.<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

It plays into the Finns\u2019 love of solitude: having space to think. I have found myself not only treasuring the greenery I can find in London.<\/p>\n

\nEastl local and drink coffee\n<\/p>\n

Finnish diet<\/p>\n

Diets are rich in oily fish and local produce: whole grains, Arctic berries, dairy, wild mushrooms, and game like reindeer.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Coffee<\/p>\n

The Finns are the number one coffee drinkers in the world. This is both a social ritual and a historic legacy.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m cherishing my coffee breaks that bit more, as well as enjoying smoked fish and pickles for lunch <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Have fun<\/p>\n

Play is embedded from early childhood, as it is seen as a fundamental pillar of development. For every 45-minute lesson, children enjoy unstructured play for 15 mins.<\/p>\n

While adults don\u2019t get the same level of structured play, hobbies and a clear demarcation between work and life ensure adults retain a sense of leisure. Every year in July, businesses slow down.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nDo not take the good for granted\n<\/p>\n

Finns actively remember not only their suffering through the war, but the fact that the peace they enjoy requires constant maintenance.<\/p>\n

\"PeopleGreenwich Park (Photo: AP Photo\/Joanna Chan)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Since my visit, I am actively appreciating things like London\u2019s public transport system, or the number of parks my dog can run in. We are fools if we take it for granted.<\/p>\n

Inflammation can be harmful.
But it is possible to lower it through lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n

We asked the experts the habits you can instill to reduce levels.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nDietary changes\n<\/p>\n

Fruit and veg<\/p>\n

Research suggests high intakes of fruit and vegetables are linked with lower inflammatory markers, says dietitican Sammie Gill.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Healthy fats<\/p>\n

Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil are all beneficial in fighting inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Established diets<\/p>\n

Certain patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, can help control long-term inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nWhat to use and what to avoid\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Use turmeric and black pepper<\/p>\n

Herbs and spices are an easy way of adding anti-inflammatory plant compounds to your diet.<\/p>\n

Drink green tea<\/p>\n

Keeping hydrated by drinking enough water helps your body function, and herbal teas can have added benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Eat blueberries<\/p>\n

Women eating a handful of blueberries a day can help lower their high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

\nLorem ipsum\n<\/p>\n

Regularly, not randomly<\/p>\n

\u201cThe key is consistency, even light, regular activity is better than long, intense workouts once in a while,\u201d says Dr Maz Mwambazi, a GP.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"\" <\/p>\n

Yoga<\/p>\n

Building muscle through weight lifting can help, as can mind-body practices like yoga, which combine physical postures, breathing, and meditation.<\/p>\n

Prioritise fun<\/p>\n

Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation, says Dr Rangan Chatterjee \u2013 so partake in activities which help you manage or reduce your stress levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Finding a hobby you enjoy, spending time in nature and spending time connecting with friends and family have all been shown to reduce stress.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\"\"\/<\/p>\n

The TBI report says this outlay will rise to 7.8 per cent of GDP by 2070, or an extra \u00a385bn a year in today\u2019s terms, because the number of pensioners is expected to rise from 12.6m now to nearly 19m in 45 years \u2013 meaning higher taxes and greater pressure on public services.<\/p>\n

\u2018Scrap triple lock in 2030\u2019<\/p>\n

Replacing the state pension would be the biggest overhaul in government support for retirement since its launch in 1948.<\/p>\n

The reforms proposed by the former Labour prime minister\u2019s think-tank would keep state pension spending at around 5.5 per cent of GDP and save the government \u00a366bn in additional costs by 2070.<\/p>\n

The TBI says as a first step towards reform, the triple lock should be scrapped in 2030 and state pension increases linked only to rises in earnings. <\/p>\n

All the main UK political parties<\/a> except the Greens have pledged to keep the triple lock for at least the rest of this Parliament and scrapping it is seen as a vote-loser.<\/p>\n

The intervention by the TBI will put the spotlight back on the debate over its long-term future, however, particularly among some in government.<\/p>\n

The TBI did not deny that the measures had been discussed with officials or ministers in government, but said the report was independent and intended to contribute to the public and political debate.<\/p>\n

The Department for Work and Pensions said the triple lock was guaranteed for the rest of this Parliament and did not endorse the TBI plans.<\/p>\n

\u2018Lifespan Fund\u2019 would replace pension<\/p>\n

Under the proposals, the state pension would then be replaced by a new \u201cLifespan Fund\u201d, which would be accessible if people needed it earlier for ill health, retraining, career changes or caring roles, rather than only at retirement.<\/p>\n

People would build up their entitlement to the Lifespan Fund through contributions throughout their lives, including through work, caring, study or other recognised activity.<\/p>\n

Each year of contribution would provide up to 20 years of state-backed support at the level of today\u2019s state pension.<\/p>\n

If someone became unemployed and wanted extra funding beyond benefits, or needed money to retrain or support caring responsibilities, they could draw on their Lifespan Fund early.<\/p>\n

There would be safeguards for those who wanted to access their fund early, including minimum balances which would rise with age.<\/p>\n

However, people would be penalised for withdrawing money early as they would then be automatically enrolled into higher National Insurance contributions when they returned to work.<\/p>\n

And the plans would also be controversial because the annual amount paid into their Lifespan Fund would be adjusted to reflect their age and health, linked to their medical records. It would pay less due to people\u2019s current health such as pre-existing medical conditions, BMI and \u201clifestyle choices\u201d such as smoking.<\/p>\n

The TBI says this would be a fairer system because the current state pension age penalises those in poorer health, who are often those on lower incomes and with shorter life expectancy.<\/p>\n

Plans are \u2018fiendishly complex\u2019<\/p>\n

But pensions expert Steve Webb warned linking state pension support to someone\u2019s health and lifestyles was \u201cdeeply troubling\u201d and that life expectancy did not always reflect a person\u2019s medical history.<\/p>\n

Report author Tom Smith, director of economic policy at the TBI, said: \u201cBritain\u2019s state pension system was built for a different era. We can\u2019t keep pouring money into a system that is increasingly unaffordable.<\/p>\n

\u201cPension spending must be contained, and that means the triple lock cannot continue after the next election. <\/p>\n

\u201cEnding it will require political leadership from all parties \u2013 but that should only be the first step. Real reform must also build a better system: one that is fairer, more flexible, and designed for how people live today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Webb, a former pensions minister and partner at pension consultants LCP, said: \u201cThe idea of linking state pension payments to individual health records and individual life expectancy is deeply troubling. <\/p>\n

\u201cLeaving aside issues of confidentiality and data quality, it is very hard to make a precise leap from health records to life expectancy. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe report says that they would not want to pay higher pensions to those who had poorer health because of lifestyle choices such as smoking, but it is very hard to see how they would exclude the impact of smoking on someone\u2019s overall health.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said the current state pension system was relatively simple and warned it would be a \u201chuge backward step to replace it with something fiendishly complex and highly intrusive, and which would take many decades to implement in full\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u2018People have no idea how long they\u2019ll live\u2019<\/p>\n

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said: \u201cBeing able to access your state pension earlier at a reduced rate could benefit some, particularly those with lower life expectancy. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut most people simply have no idea how long they might live for and if large numbers of people go down that road, it could exacerbate retirement income challenges later in life. <\/p>\n

\u201cMoreover, moving from a single-tier benefit to a flexible benefit would create fiendish complexity, both for people engaging with the new system and in transitioning from the current framework.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe report is absolutely right that the triple lock will need to be scrapped at some point, but it also opens up a debate on whether the state pension itself should be a stable foundation or a more flexible income people can tailor to their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jonathan Cribb, deputy director and head of retirement, savings and ageing at the IFS, said: \u201cAny increase in flexibility here needs to be balanced against the increasing complexity of the system \u2013 and indeed this move would be in the opposite direction to reforms that have simplified the state pension system in recent decades.\u201d<\/p>\n

A DWP spokesperson said: \u201cSupporting pensioners is a priority and our commitment to the triple lock for the rest of this Parliament means millions of pensioners will see their yearly state pension rise by up to \u00a32,100.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pensions Commission is already examining how we can ensure secure retirements for tomorrow\u2019s pensioners and for those that have not reached state pension age but need extra support, a range of options such as universal credit and other means-tested and disability-related benefits are available.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The \u201cunaffordable\u201d state pension should be scrapped along with the triple lock and replaced by a new fund…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":27425,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[4429,654,1460,1121,91,1459,5,6],"class_list":{"0":"post-27424","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uk","8":"tag-pensions","9":"tag-politics-news","10":"tag-retirement","11":"tag-state-pension","12":"tag-tony-blair","13":"tag-triple-lock","14":"tag-uk","15":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@UnitedKingdom\/116507813073968907","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27424"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27424\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}