When Will WASPI Get a Decision?
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign continues to wait for a resolution on compensation for the financial loss women have experienced due to changes in the UK State Pension Age (SPA). Women born in the 1950s were not given adequate notice of the SPA increase, leading to unexpected delays in receiving their pensions. Many of these women had already made financial plans based on receiving their pension at 60, only to find out, in some cases, that they would need to wait up to six years longer.
Ombudsman’s Recommendation
In 2021, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) ruled that women affected by the pension age changes were owed compensation. It found that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to provide adequate notice to these women about the pension age increases. The Ombudsman recommended a compensation payout, with a suggested amount ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.
Campaigners' Push for Higher Compensation
The WASPI campaigners, however, are pushing for a higher payout. They argue that the government’s failures led to significant financial and emotional distress, and they believe a compensation of £10,000 or more would be fairer. WASPI continues to advocate for this amount, asserting that the Ombudsman's recommendation does not adequately reflect the hardship these women have endured.
When Will the Decision Be Made?
The exact timing of a resolution for WASPI women remains unclear. Sir Keir Starmer recently hinted that Labour is actively preparing a plan to resolve the long-standing issue of compensation. While his comments bring hope, the final decision still rests with the government.
In March 2024, the Work and Pensions Committee called for proposals before the summer recess, advocating for a rules-based system that accounts for individual financial losses based on the notice women received about the SPA changes. However, concrete action has yet to follow.
Stephen Timms, the committee chair, underscored the urgency, stating that "the debate over the DWP’s failure has dragged on too long." He urged the government to take swift steps to finalise compensation and deliver justice. Meanwhile, WASPI women and campaigners await a clear timeline as discussions continue into summer 2024.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical decision unfolds!
Stay informed with the latest breaking news and updates from the WASPI campaign!
What’s Next for WASPI Women?
For the millions of women affected, the wait for a final decision has been frustrating. Many continue to face financial hardship as they await the government's compensation plan. For now, it is essential to stay informed about ongoing developments, as a formal decision is anticipated later in 2024. WASPI campaigners remain vocal, ensuring that the women’s plight stays in the public eye until justice is served.
Calculate Your WASPI Compensation Today
Curious about how much compensation you could be entitled to? Use the WASPI Compensation Calculator to estimate your financial loss due to the pension age changes and find out what you could claim!