The WASPI campaign, representing women born in the 1950s who have faced repercussions from alterations to the State Pension age, may soon receive information regarding potential compensation schemes from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and DWP Secretary Liz Kendall have suggested that an update concerning the government’s review of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)’s final report is anticipated “in the near future.”
This has sparked speculation that further details could emerge during the DWP oral question’s session in Parliament on Monday, December 16. This session allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to pose inquiries to the ministerial team, creating an opportunity for significant announcements.
Government Delays Compensation Timeline Amid WASPI Pressure
The government has remained reluctant to provide a definitive timetable for addressing the concerns of the women involved, particularly as it grapples with a substantial financial deficit estimated at £22 billion.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party is under increasing pressure to tackle the compensation issue, with campaigners from Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) eagerly awaiting a response to their petition, which has attracted 124,000 signatures. Opposition parties continue to press the government to act.
Urgent Need for Compensation Response as Recess Approaches
With Parliament set to adjourn for the winter recess at the end of next week, the urgency for a governmental response is palpable. Last month, Liz Kendall assured the Work and Pensions Committee of her commitment to resolving the compensation issue “as soon as possible.” She acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the necessity for the UK Government to “get it right.”
During his participation in the G20 summit in Brazil in November, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer indicated that WASPI women could expect an announcement regarding a compensation scheme “in the not too distant future,” adding that Ms. Kendall would soon make a statement on the matter.
WASPI Petition Surpasses 130,000 Signatures, Urging Government Action
The WASPI campaign‘s online petition has now surpassed 130,000 signatures, arguing for ‘fair compensation’ for women born in the 1950s affected by state pension age changes, and calling for a swift response to the PHSO report‘s recommendations.
Although the 10,000 signature threshold was passed, requiring a written response from the government, no response was received 17 days later, as reported by the Daily Record.
Now, having passed the 100,000 signature mark only nine days ago, the petition is being put to a parliamentary debate by the Petitions Committee.
Last week, the SNP, Liberal Democrats, and Green Party, along with other opposition parties, jointly addressed Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the State, and Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. They demanded an immediate update to the proposed compensation system.
Politicians Unite for Urgent WASPI Compensation Update
Leading politicians including Stephen Flynn (SNP), Sir Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat), and Carla Denyer (Green Party) have rallied behind the WASPI campaign, calling for swift and fair redress.
The campaigners claim that more than 3.5 million women born in the 1950s have not been adequately informed about significant increases in the age of their state pension, leaving many of them in a precarious position.
In some instances, activists say, women have been forced to wait up to six years longer, pushing thousands into poverty. On Thursday morning, a cross-party letter was sent to senior government officials, urging an update of WASPI’s compensation plans and seeking a ministerial response before the Christmas break on 19 December.
Call for Urgent Action
The letter implores: “We urge you to update Parliament on your progress regarding the PHSO‘s report before the Christmas recess, outlining the expected scope of any compensation scheme and its timeline.”
Key Points Regarding the Compensation Issue:
- Total Signatures: Over 130,000 on the WASPI petition.
- Government Response Requirement: A response is mandated after reaching 10,000 signatures.
- Projected Waiting Period: Some women faced delays of up to six years.
- Estimated Financial Shortfall: £22 billion deficit affecting government capacity to act.
- Recommendation for Compensation: Suggested compensation levels range from £1,000 to £2,950.
It should be noted that since the publication of the PHSO’s final report in March 2024, over 25,000 women affected by the pension age changes have died. The Ombudsman’s independent investigation concluded that these women should have been given at least 28 months’ additional personal notice by the DWP of the changes to their state pension age.
As a result of the changes, women who were unaware missed the opportunity to change their pension plans, the report said. It states that ‘Parliament must urgently identify a mechanism to provide this appropriate redress’ and recommends compensation at level 4 of its scale, which ranges from £1,000 to £2,950.
The letter to the Chancellor and the Minister for Work and Pensions received cross-party support. The DWP‘s oral question session is scheduled for 2.30pm on Monday 16 December and will be broadcast live on Parliament TV.
