Shoppers urge Chancellor to fund pensions, invest in public services and support vulnerable ahead of Autumn Statement

The city’s residents have urged the Chancellor to stick to the 'higher rate' triple-lock pension pledge, invest in public services, reduce fuel duty and continue to support society’s most vulnerable people with the cost of energy.

Residents shopping at the Galleries in Washington made the plea ahead of tomorrow’s Autumn budget statement.

While the main budget takes place in the Spring, tomorrow’s Autumn statement from chancellor Jeremy Hunt updates Parliament on the country’s economic status and introduces new fiscal policies and spending which can have a major impact on public services and people’s pockets.

The triple lock pension pledge was perhaps the key area of concern for the older demographic shopping at the Galleries.

The triple lock promise is that annual pensions will increase by the highest out of September’s inflation rate - currently 6.7% - average earnings, or a base rate of 2.5%.

This year, earnings growth is highest at 8.5%, but the Treasury may choose not honour this figure.