The state pension is set to rise by 4% in April – about £460 a year – thanks to the “triple lock”, while Keir Starmer implores dozens of Labour MPs in a vote TODAY not to rebel against the abolition of winter heating allowances.

The state pension is set to rise by £460 next year – as Keir Starmer tries to contain a revolt against the abolition of winter heating allowances.

The official figures usually used to calculate the increase in April showed a wage increase of 4 percent.

Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves have raised the possibility of an increase to offset the loss of up to £300 in winter heating allowance.

Nevertheless, dozens of Labour MPs are expected to defy the leadership on the issue in a crucial vote in the House of Commons this afternoon.

Although the result is not in doubt due to Sir Keir’s overwhelming majority, the election will be an important test of the Prime Minister’s control over his troops.

Unions yesterday put pressure on ministers, accusing them of “stealing from pensioners’ pockets” to balance the books.

Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves have highlighted the prospect of an increase in heating allowances of up to £300.

In an ominous intervention, the Unite union called on Sir Keir to abandon this “very cruel” policy.

The Prime Minister is due to speak at the TUC conference in Brighton this morning ahead of the vote in Parliament.

Mrs Reeves told panicked Labour MPs last night that she would not back down – and said pensioners could afford to tighten their belts this winter.

The Chancellor said she was not happy about the cuts, but warned that “even more difficult decisions will be made” in next month’s budget.

Ministers have so far refused to publish an estimate of the likely impact of the cuts, which would result in annual savings of £1.5 billion.

The ‘triple lock’ means that the state pension will rise by the highest amount resulting from earnings, inflation or 2.5 per cent. In April, the earnings amount will almost certainly be the highest amount.

A four per cent increase would mean that the full state pension for men born after 1951 and women born after 1953 would reach £11,962.50 next year.

This comes after a £900 increase last year.

The final decision will be made by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall ahead of next month’s Budget, but Ms Reeves has stressed her commitment to the mechanism.

During a tour of the broadcast studios this morning, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds refused to guarantee that no pensioner would die from the cold as a result of the Government’s action.

“Nobody should die from the cold in this country,” the minister told Sky News.

When asked repeatedly whether he could guarantee that not a single pensioner would freeze to death, Reynolds replied: “I can guarantee that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that not only is the state pension higher and everyone is better off, but that the support is also targeted where it is needed.”

The cabinet stands “absolutely” united behind the decision, he insisted.

In a message to Labour MPs, Reynolds said: “We must be the team that puts this country in order. Don’t rely on your colleagues to make the difficult decisions that need to be made.”

A new assessment by the Resolution Foundation think tank yesterday warned that 1.3 million of the poorest pensioners would be pushed deeper into poverty by the move.

Former Labour Party leader Richard Burgon said the plan would “lead to the deaths of pensioners who cannot turn on their heating”.

Mrs Reeves told panicked Labour MPs last night she would not give in – and said pensioners could afford to tighten their belts this winter

Conservative Work and Pensions spokesman Mel Stride called on the Labour Party to listen to its voters.

He urged Labour MPs to keep their promises and put the country before your party. Vote with us in Parliament, not against us.

“Change course and reverse your cruel decision to cut winter heating subsidies for millions of vulnerable pensioners.”

“Many who fall into fuel poverty this winter will have to choose between heating and eating because of Starmer. And if Labour MPs allow this abhorrent policy to go through, it will be because of them too.”