MPs are pressuring the government to provide compensation to women affected by state pension age changes, as the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign ramps up legal action. According to Birmingham Live, MPs from various parties have called on Labour and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to reconsider their refusal to issue £2,950 payments to affected pensioners.
A recent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report confirmed that maladministration occurred, as many women born in the 1950s and 1960s were not properly informed about state pension age changes. However, the government has rejected the Ombudsman’s compensation recommendations, arguing that sending letters alone would not have significantly improved public awareness.
Political Divide Over WASPI Compensation
Liberal Democrats MP Josh Babarinde challenged the government in Parliament, asking whether the DWP would reverse its decision and offer financial redress. In response, Labour MP Torsten Bell acknowledged the 28-month delay in notifying women but defended the government’s stance:
“We have accepted the Ombudsman’s finding that there was a delay in sending out letters and for this, we have apologised. However, we do not agree with the Ombudsman’s approach to injustice or remedy.”
The Ombudsman’s Findings and Government’s Rejection
The PHSO investigation, concluded in March 2024, found that women affected by pension age changes suffered financial and emotional distress due to the DWP’s failure to properly communicate the changes.
Despite this, the government disputes the effectiveness of compensation, arguing that research suggests only 25% of people read and recall unsolicited letters. Labour’s response further questioned the logic of awarding compensation based solely on delayed communication.
WASPI Campaigners Continue Legal Action
The WASPI campaign has vowed to continue its fight for fair compensation, with legal proceedings against the government now underway. Campaigners argue that millions of women were financially disadvantaged and deserve restitution for the lack of clear pension information.
As pressure mounts from MPs and campaigners, it remains to be seen whether the DWP and Labour will reconsider their stance or continue to resist the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
