On Tuesday, 17th December, the Government made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of an independent watchdog which, nine months ago, ordered Ministers to urgently compensate women born in the 1950s for mistakes made by the Department for Work and Pensions in failing to properly communicate life-impacting changes to their State Pension age.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) concluded in March 2024 that the Government’s failure to directly inform affected women was Maladministration, resulting in financial hardship and emotional distress for millions.
However, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall apologised on behalf of the Government but refused to pay compensation.
Solent WASPI members shocked, angry and betrayed
The announcement has left members of Solent and Isle of Wight Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) – including nearly 11,000 on the Isle of Wight – feeling shocked, angry and betrayed.
Group Coordinator, Shelagh Simmons, said,
“This is a bizarre and totally unjustified move which will leave everyone asking what is the point of an Ombudsman if Ministers can simply ignore their decisions. The Ombudsman’s report was laid before Parliament for MPs to deal with. Bypassing Parliament in this way means the Government has effectively set itself up as judge and jury. That cannot be right.
“We also dispute the Government’s assertion, repeated by Keir Starmer at Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, that ‘90% of women were aware of the changes’.
“The 90% figure cited by Ministers refers only to women having a vague awareness of the principle that State Pension age changes might happen for others in the future.”
Madden: It’s an insult to millions of 1950s-born women who were blindsided by these changes
WASPI Chair, Angela Madden, said,
“This isn’t just misleading; it’s an insult to millions of 1950s-born women who were blindsided by these changes. The Ombudsman’s findings were based on rigorous evidence showing that 60% of women had no idea their own State Pension age was rising.
“The Government’s attempt to cherry-pick data to suggest otherwise is spreading dangerous misinformation, plain and simple.”
“The fact that 90% of women had some general awareness of potential changes in the future does not mean they knew this would impact them personally.
“That is exactly why the Ombudsman identified Maladministration and why this Government’s continued attempts to muddy the waters are so unacceptable.”
Hilsenrath: Our role is to hold the Government to account
In a statement, Ombudsman Rebecca Hilsenrath commented,
“The Government’s decision not to accept our recommendations in full is disappointing and will have been hard for the women to hear. ]
“Our role as a Parliamentary body is to support Parliament to hold the Government to account.
“Throughout this investigation, DWP indicated it would not comply with our recommendations and that is why, nine months ago, we asked Parliament to intervene.”
Simmons: Labour MPs have been vociferous in calling for justice
Shelagh Simmons added,
“Throughout our long years of campaigning, we have been heartened and encouraged by the support shown by many MPs, including those now prominent members of this Government. They have been vociferous in calling for justice, and been happy to have their photos taken with pledge boards confirming their support.
“Among them are Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured above with members of Solent WASPI at an International Women’s Day Event in Portsmouth) and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall (pictured below with Shelagh Simmons). The Prime Minister has made much of restoring trust and integrity in politics. But what the Government has done this week is the exact opposite of that. And the claim that we have a Government run by ‘the party of social justice’ rings extremely hollow today.”
Shelagh continued,
“The actions of the Government in this case should not just be a matter of concern for the WASPI women directly affected. It should also be of concern to everyone when a Government plays fast and loose with a process designed to provide recourse for mistakes made by the State. it sets a dangerous precedent.
“An overwhelming majority of MPs back WASPI’s calls for fair compensation and all options remain on the table. Parliament must now seek an alternative mechanism to force this issue onto the order paper so justice can be done.
“The Prime Minister has not heard the last of this issue. The Labour Government must act now to address this ongoing injustice. We are not going away.”
News shared by Shelagh on behalf of Solent WASPI. Ed
