POLL: Should all state pensioners get the triple lock? Have your say

The UK government's state pension triple lock policy, introduced in 2010, was designed to protect pensioners' incomes by guaranteeing an annual rise in the state pension based on the highest of wage growth, inflation, or 2.5%. However, not all pensioners stand to benefit equally from this promise. Around 6.9 million pensioners, mostly those receiving the older basic state pension, also rely on additional earnings-related payments known as SERPS (State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme) or the State Second Pension.

Unlike the core state pension, these legacy top-ups only increase in line with inflation, not wage growth. With wage growth currently outpacing inflation, pensioners on the newer state pension system introduced in 2016 could see a 5% increase in April 2026, equating to around £599 extra per year.

In contrast, those on the older scheme could receive significantly smaller rises, despite having contributed to the system for decades.

As a result, Express.co.uk is asking its readers if all state pensioners should receive the triple lock.

Becky O'Connor, of PensionsBee, told The Telegraph: "It's tempting to fall into the trap of thinking all older people are going to benefit disproportionately from state pension increases compared to working people.

"But the state pension system is complicated, and in fact, millions of older people do not get the increases, and this falls below the radar."

So what do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can't see the poll below? Click here.

In July 2025, the government's official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), warned that the cost of the triple lock is expected to triple by 2030 compared to initial estimates.

The OBR projected that the annual expense of the state pension guarantee will soar to £15.5 billion by the end of 2030.