WASPI fresh hope as MPs call for Government decision u-turn
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MPs are showing their support for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, with two motions gaining traction. A large number of MPs believe that the WASPI women — those born in the 1950s affected by the rise in state pension age from 60 to 65, and later to 66 — deserve compensation.
Many of these women argue they were not informed about the change, leaving them unprepared for retirement and forcing them to continue working. This issue was brought back into focus this week during a Westminster Hall debate on the matter (January 15).
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has looked into the case and found "maladministration" in how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) communicated these changes, suggesting the women should receive compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.
However, Labour stated a few weeks ago that it would not provide payouts, claiming most women were aware of the changes. In announcing the decision, the Government also argued that providing compensation would be an imprudent use of public funds. In response to this decision, MPs supporting the WASPI cause have lodged two new early day motions criticising this stance. One of the motions "condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation" and urges ministers to "rethink this heartless decision".
