Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners have shared an encouraging update as they continue to fight for compensation for hundreds of thousands of women. WASPI was set up by and for women born in the 1950s, who were negatively affected by an increase in their pension age.
These women say their retirement plans were severely disrupted when they were told at short notice their State Pension age would increase by more than five years. WASPI states they are not against the equalisation, but that they “do not accept the unfair way the changes to our pensions were implemented with inadequate or no notice”.
An Ombudsman report issued more than six months ago said WASPI women should be issued compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 each, with Parliament told to “act swiftly” in issuing the money. Despite this, no compensation has been paid out.
WASPI has today shared a positive update on social media, with campaigners letting others know they have received backing from a local council. West Northamptonshire Council unanimously supported a motion to endorse the WASPI cause at a recent meeting, as reported by the BBC.
This move highlights the plight of tens of thousands of women in the area who are among the millions nationwide affected by the pension changes. Councillor Jonathan Harris, deputy leader of the West Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats and the proposer of the motion, expressed his concern, stating: “Women have had their emotional, physical and mental circumstances totally obliterated by a lack of reasonable notice.”
WASPI will they conduct a demonstration in Parliament Square on October 30, as new Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Autumn Budget. A post on WASPI’s Facebook page reads: “WASPI women have traditionally gathered outside Parliament on such days, but this year we are asking all our supporters to go one step further.
“This is your opportunity to make your voice heard, as thousands of WASPI women renew their calls for fair and fast compensation on Budget Day.”