One hundred MPs are urging the Department for Work and Pensions to decide by March 2 whether to compensate women born in the 1950s following communication failures over state pension age increases.
Waspi campaigners claim they have secured backing from 100 MPs(Image: Rosemary Calvert via Getty Images)
Waspi campaigners claim they have secured backing from 100 MPs for a letter pressing the Government to “reach the right decision” for women born in the 1950s. The correspondence calls on Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden to provide an update on proposals by March 2 “at the latest”.
In November, Mr McFadden announced his department would examine a previously-stated policy against compensating 1950s-born women who were impacted by pension age increases, regarding how the changes were communicated. This followed court proceedings that resulted in the rediscovery of a 2007 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessment, which had prompted officials to cease sending automatic pension forecast letters.
Nevertheless, Mr McFadden provided campaigners with no assurances that the review would result in compensation being granted. Those leading the campaign confirmed the letter will be dispatched on Thursday.
Angela Madden, chairwoman of Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi), declared: “It’s high time that ministers stopped stalling and started compensating Waspi women.”
Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson, stated: “The Government cannot keep kicking this injustice into the long grass. Waspi women did everything right, yet they were denied proper notice and the chance to plan for their retirement.”, reports Wales Online.
“The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been clear, the public are clear, and now MPs from across the political spectrum are clear: compensation must happen.”
A report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombredsman (PHSO) had previously indicated that compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 might be suitable for each individual affected by the manner in which state pension alterations were communicated.
However, in December 2024, the Government stated that, whilst it acknowledged the ombredsman’s finding of maladministration and apologised for delays in contacting 1950s-born women, a universal compensation scheme, potentially costing taxpayers as much as £10.5 billion, could not be warranted.
A DWP spokesperson commented: “Last month we committed to retake the decision and as set out, we will do so within the three-month period. This should not be taken as an indication that Government will necessarily decide that it should award financial compensation.”