The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided a significant update regarding compensation payouts for WASPI women, confirming that a working draft of an action plan has been prepared but will remain confidential for now. The compensation, valued at approximately £2,950 per claimant, is part of a long-standing dispute over changes to the state pension age that affected women born in the 1950s.
Draft Plan Exists But Publication on Hold
DWP permanent secretary, Peter Schofield, disclosed that a draft action plan was developed over the summer, prior to the recent political shift. However, he emphasised that the department will not make this plan public until Labour Party cabinet member Pat McFadden completes a reconsideration of whether compensation should be provided. This decision has effectively paused any immediate implementation of the previous administration's proposals.
Schofield's Reassurance and Ombudsman Meeting
In a recent statement, Schofield explained, "I met with the ombudsman before Christmas and I explained where we were with the action plan. She said she wanted to see that we had been making progress so I showed her the draft plan. To be honest, I thought she was reassured." He further added, "I also want to reassure you that there is a working draft of the action plan which was developed before the secretary of state made his decision, and there is action under way in the here and now."
Impact of Labour's Reconsideration
The reconsideration by Labour ministers has created a temporary halt in proceedings. Schofield noted, "This re-taking of the decision does mean that we can't work on the implementation of the previous decision, and the action plan was part of that." This delay has sparked criticism from some MPs, who argue that the underlying issues remain urgent.
Current DWP Initiatives and Tools
Despite the pause on the compensation plan, the DWP continues to promote awareness and support through existing campaigns and digital resources. Schofield highlighted:
- A campaign titled 'Check Your State Pension Age', which will be evaluated in April.
- Online tools such as the state pension forecast checker, allowing individuals to review their National Insurance contributions and projected pension age.
He stated, "There is so much we are doing on this front," underscoring the department's ongoing efforts to assist the public with pension-related queries.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Lee Barron, MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, expressed frustration over the delay, saying, "The government's taking a reconsideration in terms of what the ombudsman said in regards to compensation, so how we got there, and how the women were let down, is still relevant, and the action plan is still relevant. I fail to see why it stopped." This sentiment reflects broader concerns among advocates for the WASPI women, who have long campaigned for redress over the pension age changes.
The situation remains in flux as stakeholders await the outcome of Labour's review, with many hoping for a swift resolution to provide clarity and potential compensation to those affected.
