More than 100 MPs ‘sign compensation letter’
WASPI campaigners are calling for compensation(Image: )
Campaigners fighting for pension compensation now claim they have the backing of 100 MPs. Women Against State Pension Inequality – known as WASPI campaigners – are calling for compensation for the way changes were made to their pension age.
The organisation, fighting for women born in the 1950s who say they were not properly informed of the rise in state pension age to bring them in line with men, claims the MPs are backing a letter pressing the Government to ‘reach the right decision’. It is calling upon the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden to provide an update on proposals by March 2 “at the latest”, reports The Express.
In November, Mr McFadden announced that his department would examine a previously stated policy against compensating 1950s-born women affected by pension age increases, especially how the changes were communicated. The WASPI claim is that poor communication regarding the rise in women’s state pension age to 66 ruined many retirement plans and causied financial hardship.
Mr McFadden’s announcement followed court proceedings which led to the rediscovery of a 2007 DWP – Department for Work and Pensions – assessment, which had prompted officials to cease sending automatic pension forecast letters. However he did not provide campaigners with any assurances that the review would result in compensation being granted.
Campaign organisers have confirmed that the letter will be dispatched this Thursday. WASPI chairwoman Angela Madden said: “It’s high time that ministers stopped stalling and started compensating WASPI women.”
Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson, said: “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.
“The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been clear; the public are clear and now MPs from across the political spectrum are clear: compensation must happen.” A Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report had earlier indicated that compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 might be suitable for each person affected by the manner in which state pension alterations were communicated.
However, in December 2024, the Government said that while acknowledged the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and offering an apology for delays in contacting women born in the 1950s, a comprehensive compensation programme – potentially costing taxpayers up to £10.5 billion – could not be warranted. A DWP spokesperson said: “Last month we committed to re-take 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.”
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