DWP told to 'end Triple Lock' and 'scrap state pensions for incomes over £50,000

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing calls to scrap the state pension Triple Lock and redirect the savings to support university students.

A petition published on the official Parliamentary website urges the Labour government to implement major reforms, including:

1. Ending the Triple Lock on state pensions.

2. Cutting benefits for those receiving private defined benefit pensions worth over £20,000 a year.

3. Withdrawing state pensions altogether for individuals with incomes above £50,000.

The petition argues that the money saved should be used to abolish university tuition fees. It highlights that state pensions currently cost nearly £150 billion annually, which the petition claims is unsustainable.

The proposal suggests that wealthier pensioners should contribute more, allowing the Chancellor to control borrowing while safeguarding key areas such as the NHS and defence. Supporters stress that young people are in greater need, pointing out that student debt of around £50,000 is excessive.

The petition, started by David Matthews, requires 10,000 signatures for an official government response and 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament. All petitions remain open for six months, with this one running until 28 February 2026.

While petitions that hit 100,000 signatures are usually debated, Parliament may decline if the issue has already been addressed recently. In such cases, information about relevant debates is provided instead. MPs may also choose to bring forward the issue for debate before the threshold is met.