The Department for Work and Pensions is under mounting pressure to deliver a concrete plan for compensating women affected by state pension age changes, with a coalition of over 100 Members of Parliament setting a firm deadline of March 2 for the government to act.
Cross-Party Demand for Action
In a significant show of political unity, MPs from across the spectrum have backed a formal letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, urging the Labour government to "reach the right decision" regarding compensation for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign. The correspondence explicitly calls for an update on proposals by March 2 "at the latest", marking a crucial moment in the long-running dispute.
Voices from the Campaign
Angela Madden, chairwoman of WASPI, expressed frustration at the ongoing delays, stating: "It's high time that ministers stopped stalling and started compensating Waspi women." Her sentiment is echoed by Steve Darling, the Liberal Democrats' work and pensions spokesperson, who argued: "The Government cannot keep kicking this injustice into the long grass. Waspi women did everything right, yet they were denied proper notice and the chance to plan for their retirement."
The Ombudsman's Findings and Government Response
A pivotal 2024 report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 for those impacted by the lack of adequate notification about state pension age adjustments. While the government has acknowledged the ombudsman's conclusions and issued an apology, it has thus far rejected the recommendation for payouts, citing potential costs to taxpayers that could reach £10.5 billion.
Political and Public Pressure
Steve Darling emphasised the broad consensus, noting: "The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been clear, the public are clear, and now MPs from across the political spectrum are clear: compensation must happen." This pressure is compounded by the government's recent commitment to revisit the decision within a three-month timeframe, though a DWP spokesperson cautioned: "This should not be taken as an indication that Government will necessarily decide that it should award financial compensation."
Calls for Tangible Justice
Jan Shortt, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, welcomed the government's promise to re-examine the issue but stressed the need for substantive action. She explained: "The Government’s recent promise to revisit the WASPI compensation decision is a welcome step, but justice for 1950s-born women requires far more than words." Shortt highlighted the profound impact on affected women, stating: "These women planned their lives around a state pension age that was abruptly and unfairly shifted, leaving many in severe financial difficulty and emotional distress."
She concluded with a call to action: "The Government must now demonstrate real commitment by delivering the meaningful compensation they are long overdue. It must also show confidence in their Ombudsman as the system for protecting our rights. That’s why we are asking NPC members to write to their local MPs in support of WASPI." As the March deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the DWP to see if this political pressure translates into a definitive compensation plan.
