The Government announced this week that it will not provide compensation payments to WASPI women—those born in the 1950s who were not adequately informed about the increase in the state pension age from 60 to 65.
This decision follows years of campaigning by the WASPI group (Women Against State Pension Inequality), which has called for financial redress for the women affected.
Ombudsman’s recommendations
In March, the Parliamentary Ombudsman recommended compensation payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 for each affected woman. This recommendation was based on the finding that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to communicate the pension changes sufficiently.
The WASPI campaign, however, argued that these figures were inadequate. The group called for £10,000 per woman to account for the financial hardship and emotional distress caused by the lack of proper notice.
Millions of women impacted
The WASPI group estimates that 3.6 million women born in the 1950s were not sufficiently informed about the changes to their state pension age. A Work and Pensions Committee Report from 2016, referenced in the Ombudsman’s March report, noted that 1.1 million women were affected by the 1995 Act alone. A further 2.7 million women faced pension age increases due to both the 1995 and 2011 Acts.
On the Isle of Wight around 10,000 women have been affected by the pension change.
For many, these changes left them unprepared for a delayed retirement, leading to financial instability and, in some cases, significant hardship.
Government cites costs
The Government has defended its refusal to establish a compensation scheme, citing an estimated cost of £10.5 billion. Ministers argue that such an expense would be unsustainable, given current economic pressures.
This response has drawn criticism from campaigners, who highlight the discrepancy between the Ombudsman’s recommendations and the Government’s outright refusal to act.
Campaigners vow to continue
Despite the setback, the WASPI campaign shows no signs of slowing down. The group has pledged to continue its fight for fair compensation, insisting that justice for affected women is long overdue.
The Government’s decision is likely to reignite debate over the handling of state pension reforms and the treatment of those impacted by policy changes.
Robertson: The wrong choice was made for WASPI women
Following the announcement, Conservative Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, said,
“I am very disappointed in this decision by the Government.
“This is a matter of priorities, and the wrong choice was made for WASPI women.
“The Government has given a £9,000 pay rise for train drivers already earning an average of £60,000, and £10 billion for a GB Energy scheme that won’t produce any energy—yet not a penny for the WASPI women, who continue to be overlooked. People will rightly question these choices by the Government about where to provide support.”
Quigley: I will see what other help is possible
Richard Quigley, the Labour MP for Isle of Wight West told OnTheWight,
“I realise that this comes as very disappointing news for those affected and have campaigned tirelessly for compensation.
“It’s little comfort to Waspi campaigners that this government is having to make unpopular decisions after a Conservative government that did nothing for them and broke the economy in the meantime.
“I pledged my support to Waspi and I still do and will see what other help is possible.”
Article edit
11.10am 18th Dec 2024 – RQ comment added
