Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason her Department has not increased the state pension to assist people through the covid-19 outbreak.

In April 2020, the Government increased the rates of the basic and new State Pensions by 3.9%, in line with average earnings growth. This was the highest increase since 2012. In cash terms, it took the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension to over £1,900 more than it had been in April 2010.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government introduced an Uprating Bill to ensure State Pension and Pension Credit could be increased from April 2021. The Secretary of State will very shortly be announcing the outcome of her annual uprating review which will set out planned increases for State Pension rates for 2021/22.