Women affected by the changes in state pension age have received news of further delays in potential compensation. In a recent parliamentary debate, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds stated that the UK government needed time to review the final report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) released on March 21. Labour MP Chris Webb urged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, to take urgent action to address the ongoing injustice faced by these women. Kendall acknowledged the importance of the report and committed to resolving the issue promptly.
Labour’s Mohammad Yasin called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide nearly 3.6 million affected women born in the 1950s with a timeframe for responding to the PHSO findings and details on potential compensation. Yasin emphasised the financial struggles some women were enduring and stressed the need for justice. The Pensions Minister acknowledged the seriousness and complexity of the report and assured that a thorough review was underway.
Adrian Ramsay MP from the Green Party urged swift action for the affected women, pressing the Minister for a clear timeline and action plan. The Minister emphasised the detailed investigation by the ombudsman and the need for thorough consideration. The issue of compensation for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) women remains unresolved, with the DWP facing ‘maladministration’ accusations for inadequate communication regarding pension age changes.
The report by the PHSO highlighted the lack of timely notice given to women regarding the increase in their state pension age. This omission deprived many women of the opportunity to adjust their retirement plans adequately. Approximately 3.5 million women born in the 1950s have been adversely affected by these changes. The PHSO recommended compensation at Level Four of its framework, ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.
To escalate their campaign efforts, the WASPI group is planning a protest in Parliament Square on October 30 during the Labour Government’s Autumn Budget announcement. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is slated to present the Budget before a full House of Commons. The rally, themed ‘WASPI can’t wait – compensate,’ is scheduled between 12pm and 3pm. The ongoing push for fair state pension age compensation continues to be a significant concern for the affected women.