The state pension is due to rise by 4% in April, giving an extra £460 a year to recipients.

The payment increases by the highest of total average weekly earnings, inflation for September or 2.5%.

Figures on Tuesday showed average weekly earnings rose by 4% in the three months to July.

Inflation data for September has not yet been published but stood at 2.2% for July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The pension rise comes as the government is under pressure having scrapped the winter fuel allowance.

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