Lib Dems to give £770 boost to 120,000 pensioners across Cumbria

One hundred and twenty thousand pensioners living in Cumbria will receive at least an extra £772 per year under Liberal Democrat manifesto plans to protect the 'triple lock' for state pensions.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show there are 119,130 pensioners living in Cumbria, including 23,270 in Tim's Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency.

Thanks to the triple lock guarantee, secured by the Liberal Democrats when they were in government, the basic state pension has risen in each year by whichever is the higher of earnings, prices or a rate of 2.5%. However, the Conservatives have refused to guarantee whether the triple lock will continue, raising fears it could be scrapped.

The Liberal Democrats have committed to keeping the triple lock, meaning the state pension would be worth at least £137.15 a week by 2021, up from £122.30 in 2017, or an extra £772 a year.

This would be paid for in part by restricting perks such as the winter fuel allowance so they are no longer paid to the wealthiest pensioners.

Tim said: "Protecting the triple lock will mean an extra £772 a year by 2021 for almost 120,000 people receiving the state pension across Cumbria.

"The Liberal Democrats are making a clear commitment to older people in Cumbria, unlike the Conservatives who have repeatedly refused to give this guarantee.

"The triple lock has succeeded in lifting thousands of pensioners out of poverty, but many are still struggling to get by.

"An important test of a civilised society is the way in which it cares for the elderly. This commitment will ensure older people are able to meet their basic needs and that their living standards will be protected, especially with prices set to rise in the coming years."