The long-running campaign for compensation by women affected by changes to the state pension age has secured a significant legal breakthrough. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has announced a major development in its fight for payouts, after reaching an agreement with the government.
Government Backs Down Ahead of Court Hearing
The campaign revealed that the government has agreed to a fresh and thorough reconsideration of its decision to reject the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s findings of DWP maladministration. This agreement was reached just before a scheduled High Court hearing, marking a tactical victory for the campaigners. WASPI stated that the Labour government has now committed to completing this reconsideration within a strict 12-week deadline, unless it can provide a legally sound reason for any delay.
Key Terms of the Agreement
The deal includes several crucial points that strengthen the campaign's position. Firstly, the government has agreed to consider all relevant evidence anew, not just the material previously withheld from former Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. Secondly, the government will pay over half of WASPI’s legal costs, providing the campaign with what it calls a "significant war chest." This financial reserve is intended to fund a renewed judicial review challenge if the government's new decision, expected early in 2026, is found to contain further legal errors.
Campaign Leadership Issues Stern Warning
Angela Madden, Chair of the WASPI campaign, addressed the development on Tuesday. She stated that the government had "backed down" virtually at the steps of the court, accepting that its previous decision "cannot withstand scrutiny." While welcoming the agreement for a speedy review, Madden issued a clear warning: "WASPI stands ready to return to court early in the New Year if it yet again fails to do the right thing." She emphasised there must be "no more delay and no more denials" in addressing the injustice caused by the DWP's maladministration.
The campaign, which continues to fight for compensation of around £2,950 per woman for the lack of notice regarding pension age changes, also thanked its supporters and donors for their unwavering contributions. This latest agreement represents a pivotal moment, offering what campaigners believe is the best chance for a swift and just resolution to their decade-long battle.
