Keir Starmer faces PMQs as leaked Treasury figures suggest state pension to rise by more than £400 next year – UK politics live

Prime minister likely to face questions over winter fuel allowance as figures show state pension rising with earnings will lead to above-inflation increase

Good morning. Keir Starmer is taking PMQs today. It is only his second PMQs as prime minister, but don’t expect fireworks, high drama and a defining party politial encounter. That is more likely when Starmer gets to face a permanent opposition leader, not Rishi Sunak, who is just working his notice period. And parliamentary business in the Commons today will be dominated by the publication of the final report from the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire. Starmer will be making a statement on this to MPs straight after PMQs, but most of our Grenfell coverage will be on a separate live blog.

At his first PMQs, before the summer recess, Starmer came under pressure over the two-child benefit cap. Today the PM is likely to face questions about the government’s decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, and claims that millions of pensions who are not poor enough to qualify for pension credit will struggle to heat their homes this winter when they lose the payment (worth up to £300). As Pippa Crerar reports, MPs will vote on this next week.

The Treasury expects the new full state pension to be boosted above inflation by over £400 a year in cash terms, as a result of the triple lock next April.

The internal working calculations, seen by the BBC, reflect the near certainty that the state pension will be increased by average earnings figures released next week.

Continue reading…

Please follow and like us: