Parliamentarians are showing their support for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, with two MP motions gaining increased support. A large number of MPs believes that compensation is due for the WASPI women — those born in the 1950s hit by the increase in state pension age from 60 to 65, and subsequently to 66.
Many of the women claim they didn’t know of the change, leaving them ill-prepared for retirement and forcing them to continue working. The issue was highlighted anew during a Westminster Hall debate held this week (January 15).
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has investigated the case, and concluded there was “maladministration” in the way the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) communicated these changes, suggesting the women should get compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950. However, Labour last month said it would not provide payouts, asserting most women were aware of the changes.
The Government also said that providing compensation would be a poor use of taxpayer funds. In response to this decision, MPs backing the WASPI cause have lodged two fresh early day motions decrying this stance.
One of the motions “condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation” and urges ministers to “rethink this heartless decision”. It also mentions the Liberal Democrats‘ long-standing calls for “fair compensation”, a sentiment shared by the SNP and Green Party, who likewise promote financial redress for the women.
This motion has grown in support to now be backed by 46 MPs, including ex-shadow Chancellor John McDonnell. At the Westminster Hall debate this week, McDonnell addressed the issue of the Government deciding not to compensate: “Not to have that implemented has crushed people. It’s crushed their confidence in the whole system.”
He urged Labour ministers to reconsider, saying: “I have to say to my own party in Government, what we need now is the Government to sit down with the WASPI women. Either implement this scheme or mediate for an alternative. We need action.
“This issue isn’t going to go away, we’re not going to go away. The women aren’t going away. Tragically some of them are dying, but this campaign will go on until we secure justice.” Mr McDonnell has also added his support to another early day motion demanding the Government “to reverse this decision, and finally deliver justice for the 3.6 million affected 1950s-born women”, which currently has the backing of 11 MPs.
During the debate this week, Pensions minister Torsten Bell represented the Government stance, stating: “As custodians of the public purse, we must also ensure that decisions are rooted in evidence and are fair to everyone. The fact remains that the vast majority of women knew the state pension age was increasing.
“Even for those who didn’t, we know that sending letters earlier would not have made a difference in most cases. So while I know this decision will be disappointing, as we are hearing, and many have had frustrations at watching this debate drag on for years, we believe it is the right course of action.”