Around 19,500 pensioners in the Lothian East constituency are set to receive a pay boost of up to £470 from today (Sunday 6 April). This comes after the government confirmed a 4.1% increase in the state pension for 2025/26.

Douglas Alexander MP has welcomed the news, highlighting how the government’s commitment to the triple lock has delivered this extra cash for pensioners and is set to deliver around £1,900 over the course of this parliament.

The Labour Government is committed to the pensions triple lock, which guarantees that the state pension goes up each year by the highest of 2.5%, inflation, or earnings growth, for the whole of the parliament – at a cost of £30bn.

This news comes as the government continues the biggest ever drive to ensure those eligible for Pension Credit are receiving it, resulting in an 81% increase in claims. Nearly fifty thousand extra pensioners are receiving Pension Credit following the campaign to boost uptake, and DWP has now processed a record number of claims.

Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year, and also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“This latest increase in the state pension will provide a welcome boost for more than 19,000 pensioners living in the Lothian East constituency. We were elected on a manifesto that committed us to the triple lock and that will see pensions rise by around £1900 over the course of this parliament.

“As well as boosting pensions, we are also investing in our NHS and other public services to ensure that the services older people are most likely to use are there when they need them.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:

“Today’s state pension boost will be incredibly welcome news for the millions of pensioners across our country, putting up to £470 extra in their pockets. This Labour Government is committed to delivering for our pensioners – ensuring their financial stability through the triple lock, fixing our NHS and public services, and targeting support towards those who need it most.

“The government has also made other support available, by delivering the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households and extending the Household Support Fund with £742 million, to ensure local authorities can support pensioners and families that are struggling with the cost of living.”