More than 13 million people rely on the State Pension Triple Lock to boost payments each year, but growing calls for triple lock reform and rising costs are putting UK pension policy under scrutiny

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More than 13 million people across Great Britain depend on the State Pension Triple Lock to increase their payments annually, but concerns are mounting about whether it can remain in its present form. The Triple Lock mechanism ensures the State Pension rises each April by whichever is highest: inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.

This means payments invariably increase by at least 2.5 per cent, even when both wages and inflation grow more modestly. The policy was launched in 2010 to shield State Pensioners from escalating living costs and to ensure their income remained in step with the broader economy.

Since its introduction, it has helped increase the value of the State Pension, especially during periods when wage growth has been sluggish. Nevertheless, some financial experts caution the system is becoming progressively costly as the population ages and more people enter retirement.

The Resolution Foundation is amongst those expressing concerns and has urged for the Triple Lock to be replaced with a less generous earnings-based system, contending pensioners have experienced substantially stronger income growth than the rest of the population over the past two decades.

In a fresh report published on Wednesday, the independent think tank stated pensioners have enjoyed three times as much living standards growth as non-pensioners over the last 20 years and are now less likely to be living in poverty than the wider population. Researchers also indicated that a typical pensioner household now enjoys a comparable income level to a typical working-age household, raising fresh questions about whether the Triple Lock remains justified, reports the Daily Record.

Each year, the UK Government compares three measures: inflation, based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figure from the year to September; average annual earnings growth from May to July; a minimum increase of 2.5%. Whichever of these is highest is used to uprate State Pension payments the following April.

For the 2026/27 financial year, earnings growth stood at 4.8 per cent and CPI inflation was 3.8 per cent. This meant the New and Basic State Pension rose by 4.8 per cent on April 6 while additional elements of the contributory benefit – such as deferred payment rates – rose by the CPI inflation figure of 3.8 per cent.

The primary concern is escalating costs. As the pensioner population grows, the total sum spent on the State Pension increases substantially. Simultaneously, the Triple Lock can drive payments upwards more rapidly than the broader economy expands, particularly during periods of elevated inflation or wage growth.

This could result in challenging decisions ahead, including higher taxation or reductions to other areas of public spending. There are also worries about intergenerational fairness, as the system is funded by taxpayers.

No amendments to the Triple Lock have been confirmed and it remains UK Government policy. However, some proposals suggest tying future increases to earnings alone, which would make costs more foreseeable.

Any changes would probably prove politically contentious, as the Triple Lock is broadly regarded as a crucial safeguard for pensioners.

For the time being, it stays in effect, but discussion surrounding its long-term sustainability is anticipated to persist as strain on public finances intensifies.

“I think these are good things, but would people watching and listening honestly say that if you’ve got a defence secretary who’s telling you there is insufficient funding to keep our country safe, would you, the very next day, as a matter of style, let alone substance, have an announcement for four and a half billion for walking and cycling?” he said.

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness being shown for Kayden.”

The family of murdered teenager Kayden Moy will gather near to where he was stabbed for an emotional memorial organised by complete strangers.

The tribute event has been arranged by local residents in the Ayrshire town of Irvine where the tragic attack took place and comes after Kayden’s loved ones were approached by well-wishers wanting to show their support.

Kayden’s dad Paul, 38, said the family had been left “overwhelmed” by the kindness shown towards his son and revealed he had been contacted by a group of women from Ayrshire who wanted to organise a memorial event.

The gathering is due to take place at Irvine Boating Pond on Saturday, July 11. A Facebook post encouraging people to attend urged supporters to wear green and bring a green balloon in tribute to the 16-year-old.

Paul wrote on social media: “We are overwhelmed by the kindness being shown for Kayden. I’ve been contacted by some lovely women from Ayrshire who told me that the people of Irvine would like to organise a balloon release in his memory. Get yourself down Saturday 11th July for Kayden.”

The moving event comes more than a year after Kayden, from East Kilbride, was fatally stabbed on Irvine Beach on May 17 last year.

The apprentice painter and decorator had been involved in a confrontation between rival groups from his hometown. The court heard he had stepped in as a peacemaker before he was attacked.

Last week, three youths were convicted in connection with the killing following a harrowing trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Cole Turley, 18, admitted murder, while Jay Stewart, also 18, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of acting alongside him in the fatal attack.

Jurors heard how the trio fled the busy beach after the stabbing. The court was told they later boasted about what they had done and even created a sick rap mocking the dying teenager.

Judge Lord Scott deferred sentence on Turley, Stewart and the 15-year-old pending the preparation of background reports. The three are due to return to court for sentencing next month.

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Boulter spent a total of almost four hours on court on Friday, but her efficient 67-minute 6-1 6-3 victory over Romania’s Cristian earlier in the day undoubtedly helped her maintain an excellent level throughout her enthralling tussle with top seed Rybakina.

Rybakina, meanwhile, had to battle back from a set down to defeat defending champion Tatjana Maria 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-0 in a lengthy first match of the day.

Boulter appeared the fresher of the two players as she rose to the occasion in front of home support, saving nine break points across the first set – including six in the sixth game alone.

The 29-year-old earned reward for her tenacity when she capitalised on a first opening on Rybakina’s serve to break for a 6-5 lead, before serving out the set.

Boulter applied further pressure at the start of set two, creating break points in Rybakina’s first two service games – but it was the Kazakh who struck first for a 3-1 lead, before securing a decider on her opponent’s serve.

That did not appear to affect Boulter’s confidence as she held to love with a stunning sliced drop shot early in the final set, and saved a break point in her next two service games to follow Rybakina to 4-4.

It was then that Boulter seized her moment, clinching a second break opportunity in the ninth game before holding her nerve to serve out a memorable win.

“I’m standing here a winner because I trusted my game, I trusted my team. I’m so proud of today,” Boulter added.

“My first semi-final here, it’s a really special one. I’m wanting more so I’m going to keep pushing and get myself ready for tomorrow.”

It kicks off this weekend with Lush! Classical

A brand new festival kicks off in Belfast City Centre this weekend.

Belfast is preparing for its biggest ever summer of music as Belsonic and new event The Summer Series kicks off at Custom House Square for the first time.

The Summer Series brings a brand-new run of open-air concerts to Belfast’s legendary open-air space in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Announcing the new gig last year, Alan Simms, from organisers Belsonic Ltd/Shine, said: “I am pleased to unveil an exciting new concert series taking place this June and July at the iconic Custom House Square.

“Building on the already thriving summer concert scene in Belfast, we are proud to welcome more world-class artists to Belfast for our newest addition, The Summer Series.”

We have rounded up some handy information ahead of the fesitval kicking off this Saturday:

Where is The Summer Series being held?

Expanding on the annual success of CHSq music festival, which takes place every August in the city, The Summer Series is also set to bring a host of amazing artists to Custom House Square in the heart of Belfast.

Who is performing at The Summer Series Belfast?

Here is who is performing at the inaugural festival:

• Lush! Classical Saturday, June 13
• Chris Stussy Friday, June 19
• The 30+ Club Festival Saturday, June 20
• The Beach Boys Sunday, June 21
• Paul Weller Wednesday, June 24
• Ashley McBryde Thursday, June 25
• The Met Arena Saturday, June 27
• Cian Ducrot Thursday, July 2
• Ewan McVicar Friday, July 3
• The Kooks Saturday, July 4
• Dylan Gossett Sunday, July 5

Gate and stage times for The Summer Series Belfast

Gates open at Custom House Sqaure at 6pm.

Last entry into the venue during show is at 9:45pm sharp. No re-entry is permitted.

Curfew typically falls between 10:30pm-11pm. For stage times, check The Summer Series social media pages for any updates on the day.

How do I get to Custom House Square?

Organisers are advising that concert-goers use public transport when possible.

Custom House Square is in the heart of Belfast city centre and within walking distance from the main transport hubs.

Public transport could be the easiest way to get there, by bus or by train. Translink has a range of bus and train options to get you to Custom House Square this summer.

There is no designated parking on-site and organisers advise that concert-goers avail of public transport where possible.

Age restrictions for The Summer Series Belfast

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• Lush! Classical Strictly 17+ (ID Required)
• Chris Stussy Strictly 17+ (ID Required)
• The 30+ Club Festival Strictly 30+ (ID Required)
• The Beach Boys Under 16s accompanied by an adult
• Paul Weller Under 16s accompanied by an adult
• Ashley McBryde Under 16s accompanied by an adult
• The Met Arena Strictly 17+ (ID Required)
• Cian Ducrot Under 16s accompanied by an adult
• Ewan McVicar Strictly 17+ (ID Required)
• The Kooks Under 16s accompanied by an adult
• Dylan Gossett Under 16s accompanied by an adult

Banned items from Custom House Sqaure

The following items are prohibited:– Illegal drugs– Football tops– Umbrellas– Chairs– Large bags (exceeding A4 size)– Professional camera equipment– Flags– Pyrotechnics

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Woodhorn Museum in Ashington will host the event on Saturday, June 13, from 10am to 5pm.

The Picnic has its roots in 1864, when the first gathering took place at Blyth Links, bringing together mining communities from across Northumberland to celebrate, commemorate and campaign. It has been held at Woodhorn Museum since 1992, following the closure of the pits.

The day opens at 10.30am with a memorial service paying tribute to those who dedicated their lives to Northumberland’s coal industry, and those who lost their lives in it.

This year’s service will include a moving musical tribute from the Ashington and District Male Voice Choir, who will perform Woodhorn Disaster, a piece that names all 13 miners who died in the Woodhorn Colliery disaster of 1916.

From 11:30am, the main stage will feature a succession of brass bands including Ellington Colliery Band, Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band, Bedlington Brass Band and Ashington Colliery Brass Band, before a massed bands finale at 1:10pm.

The afternoon brings Northern Proud Voices, Ladies of Midnight Blue and the Northern Monkey Brass Band.

(Image: Supplied)

Around the site will be craft workshops, percussion sessions and a Bugs and Beasties parade at 2.10pm, while writer Ed Waugh presents talks on the ‘Cramlington Eight’ and the 1926 General Strike at noon, 1pm and 2pm.

A free shuttle bus runs between Ashington Leisure Centre and Woodhorn Museum throughout the day, with the last departure leaving Woodhorn at 5.15pm.

Entry is free, with parking available on site for £5.

The serious assault took place on Lower Granton Road in Edinburgh.

A CCTV image has been released of a man following a serious assault in Edinburgh.

The incident occurred on Lower Granton Road in the capital on Saturday, May 16, around 4.30pm. Police Scotland has now published an image of a man who they believe could assist them in their enquiries into the attack.

He has been described as white, 6ft tall, of heavy build, aged 40-50 years-old and bald. Detective Sergeant Keith Morrison has urged those who know the man to reach out to police.

He said: “We would ask the man in the image, or anyone who recognises him, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who has information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2173 of Saturday, 16 May, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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The former girl band member will take to the stage in Revolución de Cuba

Belfast Pride weekend is set to get even bigger this summer as Revolución de Cuba Belfast announces Irish pop star Una Healy as the headline act for its flagship Pride event on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Best known as a member of one of the UK’s most successful girl groups, The Saturdays, as well as for her successful solo career, television appearances and live performances across the UK and Ireland, Una Healy will take to the stage in Belfast for an exclusive Pride weekend performance.

The event will form part of Belfast Pride celebrations and promises an unforgettable day of live entertainment, music, celebration and community in the heart of the city.

The announcement marks the first artist reveal for the event, with Revolución de Cuba confirming that this is just the start of an iconic line-up of performers and special guests due to be announced in the coming weeks.

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Dan McGee, General Manager of Revolución de Cuba Belfast, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Una Healy to Belfast Pride this summer. We’ve always worked hard to create a venue where everybody feels welcome, and this event is our opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Belfast Pride so special.

Belfast is an incredible city with an amazing and diverse community, and we’re proud to play a small part in bringing people together for one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors and celebrate in style with what promises to be a fantastic Pride weekend.”

Pride is one of the most important weekends in Belfast’s calendar and Revolución de Cuba wanted a headliner who could help create a truly memorable celebration. Una was a perfect fit.

This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to reveal more details about the event over the coming weeks.”

The event is expected to attract guests from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and beyond as Belfast prepares for another landmark Pride celebration.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 10, with Revolución de Cuba encouraging guests to secure tickets early. Further artist announcements and event details will be released throughout June and July.

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