DWP WASPI £2,950 Update 18 March 2025: Labour MPs are calling on Pensions Minister Torsten Bell to establish a compensation scheme for women affected by State Pension age changes, insisting that it is “not too late to put it right”.
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has gained over 160,000 signatures on a Parliament petition, urging the Government to pay redress to 1950s-born women who faced financial hardship due to poor communication about their State Pension age increase.
Why Are WASPI Women Seeking Compensation?
In March 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) recommended that the UK Government pay up to £2,950 per affected woman due to failures by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in informing them about State Pension age changes.
- The DWP raised the State Pension age to bring it in line with men, but many women were not properly informed, preventing them from preparing financially.
- The total cost of compensation could reach £10.5 billion.
Despite the Ombudsman’s findings, DWP Secretary Liz Kendall ruled out a compensation scheme in December 2024, reversing previous support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves when Labour was in opposition.
Labour MPs Demand Action in Westminster Debate
During a Westminster Hall debate on Monday, Labour MPs criticised the previous Conservative Government for ignoring the PHSO report, while urging their own party leaders to act.
Key Statements from Labour MPs
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West):
“I cannot say how disappointed I am that the Ombudsman’s findings were not implemented. But I say gently to the Minister: it is not too late to put it right.”
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness):
“There is still time to deliver a fair and equitable compensation package for these women. This is the time to right this wrong.”
Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby):
“The current position is the wrong position, and I urge the Government to rethink it.”
Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool):
“Ministers had options other than just saying no. They could look at prioritising those most in need, staging payments, or at least engaging in dialogue.”
Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth):
“The WASPI women are not asking for something they are not due – they are asking for fairness and justice.”
Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire):
“For the apology to mean anything, there must be compensation.”
Jon Trickett (Normanton and Hemsworth):
“I told WASPI women in my constituency that I would back them until they get justice – and I will continue to do so.”
Government Response: No Compensation Planned
In response, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell acknowledged the failures in communication and issued an apology, but stated:
“We do not agree with the Ombudsman’s approach to injustice or remedy.”
He emphasised that while Government disagreement with the Ombudsman’s recommendations is rare, it is not unprecedented.
WASPI Women Take Legal Action Against the Government
- On Monday, WASPI campaigners gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, announcing plans to launch a judicial review to force the Government to reconsider.
- The group has raised over £150,000 to fund the legal challenge.
- Lawyers for WASPI argue that the Government’s refusal to compensate affected women breaches legal principles.
WASPI Chairwoman Angela Madden:
“We do not want to be taking legal action, but we have been forced to due to the Government’s total denial of justice.”
The group’s legal team (Bindmans LLP) has sent a ‘letter before action’, with judicial review papers being filed. An initial court hearing is expected later this year.
The WASPI campaign continues to gain momentum, with growing pressure from Labour MPs, campaigners, and the legal system. While the Government has ruled out compensation, the upcoming judicial review could force ministers to reconsider their decision.
As the legal battle unfolds, thousands of 1950s-born women remain hopeful that they will finally receive the justice and financial redress they have been fighting for.
FAQ’s
Who are the WASPI women?
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) represents 1950s-born women affected by State Pension age increases. Many were not properly informed, impacting their retirement plans.
How much compensation has been recommended for WASPI women?
The Parliamentary Ombudsman recommended that affected women receive up to £2,950 each, with a total cost of £10.5 billion.
Why has the UK Government refused to compensate WASPI women?
The Government acknowledges poor communication but disagrees with the Ombudsman’s approach to injustice and compensation, ruling out payments in December 2024.
What legal action is WASPI taking against the Government?
WASPI is filing a judicial review to challenge the Government’s refusal to compensate affected women, raising over £150,000 for legal fees.
What happens next for the WASPI compensation campaign?
The legal case is progressing, with an initial court hearing expected later this year. Labour MPs continue to pressure the Government for compensation.
I did not get enough notice about changes to my penshion certainly no letter not enough time to do anything about it