TORY TRIPLE LOCK THREAT IS 'MADNESS'

Fears for future of pensions system

- JOHN STEVENS

JEREMY Hunt has been accused of "madness" after casting doubt over the pensions triple lock just months before the election.

The Chancellor suggested the system may have to be axed unless "we are able to run public services more efficiently [and] increase our long-term growth rate".

He told a Lords committee the triple lock which increases the annual state pension by the highest measure out of 2.5%, wage rises or inflation and pension ages are being "kept under review".

But he added he hoped current levels of support could go on.