New DWP update for WASPI women on state pension compensation (original) (raw)

Women grappling with state pension age changes have been informed of further delays relating to potential compensation. During a parliamentary debate last Monday, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds said the UK government required "time to review" the intricate conclusions of the final report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), unveiled on March 21.

Labour MP Chris Webb implored the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, to "act urgently" and put an end to this ongoing unfairness. Responding, Ms Kendall highlighted her previous dialogue with Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners and lauded Ms Reynolds for being "the first Minister to meet them in eight years".

Ms Kendall assured: "It really is a serious report that requires serious consideration. We will do everything possible to get this issue resolved as soon as possible.",

Moreover, Labour's Mohammad Yasin beseeched the DWP to supply nearly 3.6 million affected women born in the 1950s with an anticipated response timeframe to the PHSO findings and information about prospective compensation. Speaking up for impacted constituents in Bedford, he underlined the necessity of justice for WASPI women, emphasising that some were struggling financially. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here

Mr Yasin pressed the question: "Will the Minister tell them today when the Government will respond to the report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which recommended a compensation scheme?"

The Pensions Minister responded to the issue, as reported by the Daily Record, saying: "The Ombudsman's report is a serious report that took six years to complete and deserves serious consideration. We are carefully reviewing the details of that complex report and will come to a conclusion in the round."

Adrian Ramsay MP, co-leader of the Green Party, pressed on the urgency of the situation for WASPI women, stating: "Will the Minister please set out the timescale by which she will respond to the report and the action that will be taken?"

In response, Ms Reynolds emphasised the gravity of the investigation by the ombudsman, noting: "The ombudsman took six years to look into what is a serious, significant and complex set of cases. We need time to look at that seriously, and we are doing precisely that."

Sir Julian Lewis MP sought a clear commitment from the Minister regarding compensation for the WASPI women, asking: "May I ask for a statement in principle that the Government will eventually offer significant compensation to the WASPI women?" But Ms Reynolds reiterated the importance of the PHSO's thorough investigation, stating: "We are looking into it very seriously, but I cannot make any announcements today."

The unresolved issue of adequate state pension age compensation continues to be a major concern for those affected. The Ombudsman has levelled 'maladministration' charges at the DWP for failing to inform women about the increase in their state pension age from 60 to 65, and subsequently to 66, reports the Express.

A report by the PHSO disclosed that the DWP should have provided at least 28 months' additional notice regarding the changes to the pension age. Furthermore, the report underscored that the absence of timely communication deprived many women of the opportunity to properly adjust their retirement strategies. Recent ONS figures indicate that approximately 3.5 million women born in the 1950s have been adversely affected by the hikes in the state pension age.

The PHSO was adamant that, "Parliament must urgently identify a mechanism for providing that appropriate remedy" and recommended compensation at Level Four of its framework, which could mean payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.

In a bid to escalate their efforts, the WASPI campaign is organising a protest in Parliament Square on Wednesday, October 30, to coincide with the Labour Government's Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is poised to deliver her first Budget before a House of Commons teeming with MPs from all over the country. The 'WASPI can't wait - compensate' rally is set to take place between 12pm and 3pm.

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