Age UK's response to the Government's Autumn Statement. The Government has kept its promise to older people to honour the Triple Lock

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said:

"We're pleased and relieved the Government kept its promise to older people to honour the Triple Lock. For the 4.2 million older people who recently cut back on food and groceries to make ends meet, having a State Pension that delivers the basics in life is the absolute minimum that should be expected. Today's decision also crucially makes is more likely that older people will keep their homes adequately warm this winter, with less fear of facing an energy bill they simply cannot afford to pay come the spring.

"Even with the Triple Lock being honoured in full next year, some older people on low fixed incomes will still find life extremely tough, especially those whose incomes take them just above the line for extra financial help. We had called for more support for this hard-done-by group, who will receive their Triple Lock increase but no more. Longer term, governments need to think creatively and do more to help them."