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MPs and campaigners have slammed the government’s decision to not compensate women affected by changes to pension rules. In 1995, the Conservative government raised women’s state pension age from 60 to 65 to bring it into line with men’s, which came into effect in 2010. Responding to the change, campaign group Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) was formed.
It says that although it “agrees with equalisation” it “does not agree with the unfair way the changes were implemented”. Waspi states the change left women born in the 1950s, around 3.8 million, suffering financial hardship.
The parliamentary and health service ombudsman found that the department for work and pensions was guilty of maladministration in relation to communication with those affected. Waspi campaigners stage a protest outside the Houses of Parliament, London (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire) Yesterday, December 17, work and pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced that women affected by changes to the state pension age would not receive compensation. MPs and campaigners have voiced their frustrations at the decision, which has been called a “betrayal”.
Sian Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “This is a very harsh decision, admitting wrongdoing but offering a bitter dose of nothing to a generation of women, caught out by this, who faced so many hurdles and prejudices in respect of their careers and earnings. “I have so much respect for the brave Waspi women campaigners who, for nearly a decade, have campaigned hard on behalf of millions who were let down by this maladministration, just to be let down again today. “The government should reconsider this decision and look at how it can also do more to help women born in the 1950s win the same security in retirement as enjoyed by their male counterparts.
” MP for Lewes James MacCleary has called the move an “insult” to those impacted. READ MORE: Brighton mum takes campaign for better education to Westminster Mr MacCleary said: “This decision is an insult to the women who have faced years of financial insecurity because of successive governments’ failures. “The Ombudsman’s report was clear: these women deserve fair and flat-rate compensation.
“I have supported our local Waspi campaigners every step of the way and I promise to keep up the campaign in parliament to hold this government to account and push for the justice these women deserve. "The Liberal Democrats have stood with Waspi women from the very start and we will not let this fight go. It is time for the government to do the right thing and deliver compensation to the women who were so badly let down.
" Christine Brett, Seaford South District councillor and Waspi campaigner, said: “I’m angry and sad at this announcement. “It feels like a complete betrayal of the women who have suffered for years because of government mishandling. “This decision disregards the pain and hardship these women have endured, and we will not stop fighting for the justice they deserve.
" Janet Blackman, Waspi co-ordinator for Lewes, said: “We are extremely disappointed and angry that the government has decided that Waspi women are not entitled to compensation. “We will be examining the minister's statement carefully before we decide on our next steps.”.
