In a dramatic development, the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has secured a significant victory, forcing the Government to back down and agree to a full reconsideration of its decision to deny compensation. This major update marks a pivotal moment in the long-running battle for justice for women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to their state pension age.
Government Backs Down at Courtroom Steps
The legal breakthrough came as the Government agreed to rethink its previous rejection of the Parliamentary Ombudsman's findings of DWP maladministration. WASPI Chair Angela Madden confirmed the climbdown happened "virtually at the steps of the court," averting an immediate judicial review. She welcomed the move, stating it confirms the original decision to dismiss the ombudsman's report was legally flawed.
The dispute centred on a decision made in December 2024 by the then Labour government, which rejected the Ombudsman's second report detailing the Department for Work and Pensions' failures in communicating state pension age changes. WASPI lawyers successfully argued that this denial of a "huge injustice" could not survive proper legal scrutiny.
12-Week Deadline and Legal Cost Victory
As part of the binding agreement, the Government has committed to a strict 12-week timeframe to complete its fresh evaluation. WASPI has made it clear that any attempts to delay the process will face intense scrutiny and would require substantial justification.
The reconsideration must be conducted entirely afresh, taking into account all relevant evidence. Crucially, this includes material that was previously withheld from former DWP minister Liz Kendall, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment.
In another win for the campaign, the Government has agreed to pay over half of WASPI's substantial legal costs for this stage of the challenge. This successful recovery has provided the campaign with a significant "war chest" to fund potential future legal battles.
Ready for Return to Court in the New Year
WASPI leaders have issued a stern warning that they are fully prepared to return to court early in the New Year. A new judicial review will be launched if the Government makes further legal errors in its upcoming decision or fails to offer "meaningful remedies" to the affected women.
The campaign is now urging ministers to end the cycle of delays and denials and finally accept the reality of the maladministration caused by the DWP. They insist on a prompt and just resolution for the women, who have long campaigned for compensation, often cited as around £2,950 per person.
WASPI expressed profound gratitude to its unwavering supporters and donors, whose contributions were vital in funding the legal team for this latest critical stage. Their consistent backing remains essential as the hard work continues to achieve final justice for the 3.6 million women impacted by the state pension age changes.
