Key Highlights
- Ministers reject Waspi calls for compensation after reconsideration of the case.
- Government argues that most affected 1950s-born women were already informed about state pension changes.
- Parliamentary ombudsman recommended £1,000 to £2,950 in compensation but government rejected it.
- Campaigners say the decision demonstrates “utter contempt” for those affected by changes to their state pension age.
The Waspi Campaign and Government Stance on State Pension Compensation
Ministers have once again rejected calls from the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group for compensation, despite a new document leading to a reconsideration of their previous stance. This decision has left campaigners furious, with Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, calling it “appalling.” She says that while the government could pay if they wanted to, the rejection is a clear sign of “utter contempt” for those affected.
The group was seeking legal advice on how best to proceed after being told that compensation would cost up to £10.3 billion and might not be fair or practical. With 3.6 million women born in the 1950s impacted by changes in their state pension age, which had been brought into line with men’s, the stakes are high.
Government’s Justification for Rejection
The government contends that most 1950s-born women were already informed about the changes to the state pension age. They argue that a wide range of public information—leaflets, education campaigns, GP surgeries, TV and radio broadcasts, cinema advertisements, and online resources—ensured widespread awareness.
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, acknowledged in the House of Commons that “individual letters about changes to the state pension age could have been sent earlier.” However, he also pointed out that women did not suffer any direct financial loss from this delay. The government’s latest stance is a clear indication that political choices are at play.
Reactions and Future Steps
The decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties. Conservatives accused the government of “cynical politics,” while Liberal Democrat Steve Darling MP said affected women would feel “utterly betrayed.” Ann Davies, Plaid Cymru’s work and pensions spokesperson, echoed these sentiments, stating that poorly communicated changes to state pension age were fundamentally unfair.
Despite these setbacks, Pat Pollington, 71, remains undeterred. She works longer than expected due to the state pension age changes and describes government handling as a “fiasco.” Compensating for these issues looks expensive but is seen by some as a drop in the ocean compared to other priorities.
Conclusion
The ongoing saga of compensation for women affected by the state pension age changes highlights complex political dynamics. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the fight for justice and recognition among Waspi campaigners is far from over.
