We back Britain's pensioners. It's as simple as that...'

Minister says 900 rise shows Tories care about retired

- Martyn Brown

MILLIONS of elderly people will get a pension boost of up to £900 as new triple lock changes kick in today with a senior Tory Minister declaring: "We back Britain's pensioners".

The increase also marks another landmark in the victorious Daily Express crusade to crusade to protect the vital guarantee.

Overall, the new state pension rate will exceed £11,500 a year thanks to the changes introduced in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget last month.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said the changes, which take effect from today, will mean Britain's pensioners will continue to be supported. He said: "We back Britain's pensioners. It's as simple as that."

He also pointed out that the Government has dished out £5billion of support to help pensioners through the winter.

The triple lock on state pensions ensures payments rise in line with the highest out of inflation, average wage growth or 2.5% each April.

This year the full state pension will rise by £17.35 per week from £203.85 to £221.20, in line with earnings an increase of 8.5%.