The WASPI campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality) has marked a pivotal moment in its battle for justice, as leaders rally for the £2,950 compensation recommended by the Ombudsman.
Yet, despite widespread support, the DWP and government remain resistant. Here’s the latest on what’s at stake—and what’s next.
What Has Changed for the WASPI Campaign?
After a decade of campaigning, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) ruled that the DWP committed maladministration by failing to notify women properly about changes to the State Pension Age (SPA).
Consequently, it recommended a one-off, tax-free lump sum of up to £2,950 per affected woman as redress .
Yet, the Labour government has declined to adopt this recommendation. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated compensation would not be “fair or proportionate,” citing costs and suggesting most women were informed about the changes.
Current Status at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation Amount | Up to £2,950 per eligible woman (tax-free) |
| Proposed by | PHSO—Level 4 maladministration compensation |
| Eligible Group | Women born between 1950–1960, impacted by SPA rise |
| Government’s Stance | Rejects compensation; deems it unfair and costly |
| Campaign Progress | Legal challenge underway; funds raised via CrowdJustice |
| Scams Warning | Awareness raised—avoid fraudulent compensation offers |
Why This Matters
- Historical Wrong: Women born in the 1950s expected to retire at 60. Changes sped up SPA increases, catching many unprepared.
- Mental & Financial Impact: Sudden delays in pension access caused financial distress and emotional hardship.
- Legal Recognition: The Ombudsman’s ruling acknowledges this as not mere inconvenience, but serious administrative failure.
- Democratic Concern: Many see the government’s refusal to implement the recommendation as a blow to democratic norms.
The Campaign’s Next Steps
WASPI women continue their fight through:
- Legal action, protected by a cost‑capping order (£60,000 limit on liabilities; DWP may pay up to £90,000 of legal costs if case succeeds).
- Fundraising: Over £225,000–£230,000 raised via CrowdJustice to back litigation.
- Public pressure: Campaigners urge MPs and public to hold the government accountable.
The WASPI campaign has won moral and legal ground with the Ombudsman’s vindication of £2,950 compensation for affected women.
Yet, the government’s refusal has ignited deeper legal and political battles. As legal proceedings and public scrutiny intensify, the next few months could define whether justice—or denial—prevails for millions.
FAQs
Women born between 1950 and 1960 who were affected by rapid State Pension Age rises and insufficiently notified.
No—it’s a recommendation from the Ombudsman and not yet approved by the government.
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