Waspi: Fury as women hit by state pension age rise are denied payouts

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The UK government has rejected the request for compensation of 3.6 million women who were adversely affected by changes to the state pension age, leading campaigners to condemn the decision as “unjustified” and an “insult”. Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) lacks hope in the system and is emphasising the significance of an independent watchdog. The Parliamentary Ombudsman recommended the provision of compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 nine months ago.

However, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, stated that the delay in sending letters was regrettable, but financial payouts could not be granted. She defended her argument by saying there was evidence that many women were aware of the changes in the pension age, which included policies drawing up the necessity to equalise the age for men and women. Reports on compensation are heavily debated with the Waspi campaign demanding £10,000 each. The proposed payment, with taxpayers’ contributions, could cost as much as £10.5 billion.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his understanding of Waspi women’s concerns but declined additional pressure on taxpayers. While the increases in pension age have been argued controversial and unfair, campaigners claimed women born in the 1950s experienced a more complicated treatment of the changes and the way they were informed. Many thousands suffered financial and emotional distress, especially those who had no idea that they would wait longer to receive their state pension.

Despite the government’s decision being condemned by various campaigners, pensions consultant John Ralfe maintained that it was an inevitable response from the Department for Work and Pensions. The Waspi campaign and others have highlighted previous comments made by Kendall and the Prime Minister, both of whom spoke before coming to power, referring to the “injustice” faced by the women

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