The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has urged finance minister John Healey to replace the pension triple lock with annual inflation-linked increases ahead of his first budget next month. The group says the change could save about £3.3 billion ($4.5 billion) over two years, with the money helping fund a zero rate of employer National Insurance contributions for workers aged 21 to 24. The BCC says the measure could support youth employment and economic growth. It also called for lower business energy costs, business rates relief and additional export support, arguing that weak confidence and rising costs are restraining investment. The BCC represents more than 65,000 firms employing 7.4 million workers. The proposal comes as higher UK borrowing costs reduce the government’s fiscal headroom and add pressure on Healey to balance growth measures with public-finance credibility. The triple lock currently raises the state pension by whichever is highest among inflation, wage growth or 2.5%. The International Monetary Fund, OECD and several think tanks have also called for the policy to be abandoned, while the Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated its annual cost could reach £15.5 billion by the end of the decade.