UK State Pension to Rise Over £400 in April

The state pension is projected to rise by over £400 in April, with the full pension reaching approximately £12,000 in 2025/26 due to the Triple Lock mechanism, which adjusts payouts based on inflation, average wages, or a minimum increase of 2.5%. Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the government's commitment to this increase amid backlash over the proposed scrapping of the winter fuel allowance, which would affect around 10 million pensioners and save the government £1.4 billion. The decision on the pension increase will ultimately be made by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall before the upcoming budget. Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer faces pressure from his party to allow a vote on means testing the winter fuel allowance, which has been met with significant dissent from MPs. Critics argue that the government's actions represent a harmful policy shift against vulnerable older citizens, especially those not receiving Pension Credit. In related news, the Treasury's internal calculations indicate that pre-2016 retirees may see an increase of at least £300 a year, bringing their basic state pension to about £9,000 in 2025/26.