Worcester pensioners divided over Andy Burnham’s triple lock axe

At a bingo and social club at the KGV community centre in Worcester, pensioners said they were concerned.

Barbara Weston, 75, a former retail worker, said: “The triple lock is very important – we’ve got a small pension anyway, compared to many other countries.

“We’re not living life to the full as it is, because we don’t have enough money – how is this going to change that?

“We haven’t got enough in the pot to pay for everything we need. I don’t think putting it into social care is a fair trade-off.”

Margaret Smith, 89, said: “You hear so many stories of older people who can’t afford to heat themselves properly or eat well – nobody should be in that state.

“I’d be concerned if we end up falling behind where the pension should be.”

But Mal Furlong, 79, said: “I’m trying to be open-minded on whether it’s good or bad.

“I may need social care at a later date, and that’s what this is all about. So I’ve got to remain open-minded and let’s see how it all works.”