“If the earnings link had been retained then the state pension would have risen by 8.3 percent in April – still below the current inflation rate but a considerably chunkier income boost versus 3.1 percent. 

“This would have meant someone in receipt of the full flat-rate state pension would have seen their weekly income bumped to £194.50, rather than £185.15.”

Essentially, the triple lock suspension cost state pensioners £9.35 per week, or £486.20 over the year. 

Mr Selby added: “In a world where prices are skyrocketing that income could have made a difference.