Quote Originally Posted by Eric Cartman View Post
The gift that keeps on giving (or taking depending on whether you work or not).

Is it even a controversial position to say something has to give soon? Looking at another 8% rise next year, increasing the total pension spend by 15 billion I think - the equivalent of ~£500 more tax per working person whilst every other pay rise is considered unaffordable and inflationary.

Obviously wherever Sunak goes, Starmer must follow so I don't think there is any hope of getting rid of it.

Anyone want to take a stab at why means testing at the very least the inflation-matching increases wouldn't be prudent at this point?

And let's take a moment to remember that 25% of those over 65 live in a household with over 1 million in assets. Appreciate that will often include the house itself, but its still wealth and still provides context behind inflation linked rises for them and real pay cuts for most working age people.
For pensioners like myself and my wife the state pension will pay for Council tax, utilities, tv licence, home and car insurance, basic mobile phone packages, and a tank full of petrol once a week. Fortunate enough not to need benefits of any kind, but likewise the pension just covers the overheads and nothing more. However the phrase you use, 'something has to give soon' is exactly what those who understand the principle of 'no such thing as a free lunch' is so relevant. Who wants to govern for the next 5 years ? I doubt no-one is really looking forward to the prospect..