A compensation<\/a> scheme has previously been ruled out by the UK Government, with costs estimated at round \u00a310.5 billion. Ms Somerville\u2019s comments came in a response to the ongoing review of the State Pension age, which she said \u201cmust recognise Scotland\u2019s demographics\u201d.<\/p>\n A regular review of the State Pension age was opened earlier this year by the UK Government<\/a>, with the Scottish Government submitting its views for any changes. In her submission, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said lower life expectancy in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK risks inequalities in pensions.<\/p>\n READ MORE: New WASPI update on calls for State Pension age compensation for millions of women<\/a>READ MORE: New State Pension age set to change next year for people with these birthdays<\/a><\/p>\n The Social Justice Secretary said: \u201cHere in Scotland, both men and women have a lower average life expectancy at the current State Pension age of 66.<\/p>\n \u201cInequalities in life expectancy, including healthy life expectancy, within the population are significant in Scotland, and reducing poverty and inequality therefore remains the best way of improving life expectancy.<\/p>\n \u201cNonetheless, it is important that current variations in life expectancy are highlighted in your review to ensure that any potential changes do not penalise those who have made similar contributions over the course of their lives.<\/p>\n \u201cPensions inequalities mean that women, people with multiple low pay jobs, disabled people, minority ethnic communities and people who are self-employed, all face lower pension incomes in retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n While the Scottish Government is \u201cdoing everything within our powers\u201d to tackle poverty, Ms Somerville added: \u201cThe Scottish Government does not want to see any changes that do not fundamentally consider Scotland\u2019s unique challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n She added: \u201cAny review of the State Pension age must address previous mistakes and ensure justice for women born in the 1950s.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough the UK Government acknowledged their mishandling of this, there has yet to be any compensation paid to the WASPI women despite pressure from both stakeholders and the Scottish Government.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is vital that this review ensures that any changes are communicated clearly and fairly, so that similar distress is not repeated.\u201d<\/p>\n During DWP oral questions in Parliament on Monday, Lib Dem MP Lee Dillon highlighted how over 5,200 women in his constituency of Newbury \u201chave been unfairly affected by changes to the State Pension age\u201d.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cThose women were wronged through no fault of their own, and they deserve justice. With a High Court hearing due in December, this could be a crucial moment for the Government – a moment to finally do the right thing.<\/p>\n \u201cWill the Secretary of State now listen to the ombudsman\u2019s recommendations and commit to providing compensation to women of the Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign?\u201d<\/p>\n Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden responded: \u201cI have to remind (Mr Dillon) that when his party was in government, it supported the acceleration in the rise of the Basic State Pension age, and that has given rise to some of the questions he raises.<\/p>\n \u201cYou would not expect me to comment on ongoing litigation, Mr Speaker, and I will not, but I can assure (Mr Dillon) and the House that we will take all relevant factors into account when considering the process for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n WASPI<\/a> reported earlier this year that a two-day showdown in court between campaigners and senior UK Government lawyers will begin on December 9, 2025.<\/p>\n Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group<\/a> for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates.<\/p>\n Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday – sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_<\/a> for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1761650362_796_0_DR-MOney.png\")
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