Costing billions: is the pensions triple lock a lifeline or simply unaffordable?

With the budget looming, arguments rage over whether ministers should scrap a pledge popular with millionsThere were fresh calls this week for the state pension triple lock to be ditched as debate rages over whether the UK can afford it.The triple lock guarantees that the state pension goes up each year in line with inflation or wage increases or 2.5% - whichever is thehighest.