1 week Ago By [email protected] (Nicholas Dawson)
WASPI campaigners have expressed their frustration with the Government's response to a petition calling for compensation, which has surpassed 130,000 signatures. The online appeal on the Parliament website calls for ministers to "fairly compensate" WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women and has attracted over 133,000 supporters to date. These women born in the 1950s are awaiting a decision on potential compensation from the DWP after they were not adequately informed that their state pension age would increase from 60 to 65 or 66, causing financial hardship and upheaval for their retirement plans.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman suggested in a report that came out in March this year that payments should range from £1,000 to £2,950. In its response to the petition, the DWP assured that it was "reviewing" this report and once this task was completed, it will "be in a position to outline its approach". The Government also insisted it is "listening respectfully" to WASPI voices, highlighting that pensions minister Emma Reynolds's recently met with the campaigners.
However, WASPI campaign chairwoman Angela Madden found the DWP's comment lacking. She stated: "Respect is not shown just by ‘listening’ to WASPI women as ministers have indicated. "It is shown by acting swiftly on the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s clear instructions to compensate those affected.
" She highlighted that the petition garnered 100,000 signatures in mere days, demonstrating "the overwhelming support across the country for fair compensation". The campaign head continued: "Only the Government has the power to deliver it. With one WASPI woman dying every 13 minutes, ministers would be wise to bring their compensation proposals to Parliament without any further delay.
" The campaign has garnered backing from numerous individual MPs, as well as from the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and the Green Party. A cross-party letter was recently penned by prominent politicians including SNP leader Stephen Flynn, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, and Green co-leader Carla Denyer, urging the Government to provide an update soon. The letter to the Government demanded: "We urge you to update Parliament on your progress in responding to the PHSO’s report before the Christmas recess, setting out the likely scope of any compensation scheme and when it will commence.
" Some MPs supporting the cause have previously proposed payouts of £10,000 or more for the women, in line with the Ombudsman's guidelines for the top range for compensation. Notable Labour Government supporters of the women include Debbie Abrahams, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, and Work and Pensions Minister Sir Stephen Timms. To read the full DWP response to the petition, click here .
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