John Swinney has insisted his support for the Triple Lock on pensions is not a political ploy aimed at attacking Labour. The SNP leader has faced a backlash after he told MSPs earlier this month that Scots will "lose our pensions" after Andy Burnham announced plans to amend how the payout is increased each year.
Prime Minister's plan to scrap earnings element
The Prime Minister used a speech at the Labour Party conference to reveal he will scrap the average earnings element of the triple lock – meaning pensions will rise by the higher of 2.5 per cent or the rate of inflation – in 2030 to fund a national care service for England.
The decision means the Scottish Government will be in line for a huge increase in revenue thanks to the Barnett Formula, which calculates the size of Holyrood's annual block grant from Westminster. But Swinney has attempted to play down this likely windfall and insisted it couldn't be guaranteed.
First Minister rejects political gain claims
Speaking ahead of the SNP conference in Aberdeen this week, the First Minister rejected claims the backing is for political gain, given he is not in a position where he would be required to fund the policy and pensioners are seen as a strong voting bloc.
"No, I think what pensioners in Scotland had a reasonable expectation of was the application of the triple lock," he said. "I think they were told in 2014 (during the independence referendum campaign) their pensions were safe in the United Kingdom."
Put to him that pensions remain safe, the First Minister added: "Scottish pensioners are going to lose out as a consequence of the abolition of the triple lock, and that’s the blunt point that I’m making. I know that is very, very uncomfortable for some of my political rivals to come to terms with, but that’s the reality of what’s going to happen."
Expert rejects £4 billion claim
Asked if an independent Scotland would retain the policy, the First Minister said: "I’m committed to the triple lock and I’m committed to being the first prime minister of an independent Scotland."
Swinney’s comments come after a respected expert rejected his claims that pensioners in Scotland would lose out on £4 billion a year by 2050 and see no benefit. David Phillips, the associate director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said it was "just wrong" to suggest no money would come to Scotland as a result of the increased spending on social care in England.
Labour MSP Claire Baker said: "Despite repeatedly being told his claims are false, John Swinney has chosen to double down to try and mislead and scare people. Independent experts like the IFS have already called this out, but the First Minister ploughs on regardless. It’s beneath him and his office."
"John Swinney is choosing to put party ahead of country, playing to his base and feeding into a narrative of grievance rather than seeking to work with other parties constructively. The people of Scotland deserve honesty from their politicians – not deceit and sleight of hand from the First Minister."
"The reality is that pensions will continue to rise year on year, and the Prime Minister’s reforms will result in very significantly increased funding for Scotland. John Swinney should start being honest about that reality and stop misleading the public."
