WASPI £2,950 Important Update March 2025: The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign is intensifying its legal battle, with supporters set to gather at the Royal Courts of Justice in London this Monday. Their aim is to challenge the government’s refusal to compensate women affected by changes to the state pension age.
Why Is WASPI Taking Legal Action?
WASPI is pursuing a judicial review to overturn the government’s decision against compensation for 1950s-born women who faced unexpected delays in receiving their state pensions.
A Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report suggested that each affected woman should receive between £1,000 and £2,950. However, in December 2024, the government dismissed large-scale compensation, arguing that the estimated £10.5 billion cost was too high.
Public Support and Legal Challenge
The campaign has gained significant public backing, raising over £150,000 to fund legal proceedings. WASPI’s legal team at Bindmans LLP has initiated judicial review motions, including sending a “letter before action” to the government.
WASPI chair Angela Madden criticized the government’s stance, stating:
“We do not want to be taking legal action, but we have been forced to, due to the Government’s total denial of justice.”
She urged the government to negotiate, warning that if they refuse, they will have to defend their decision in front of senior judges.
Government’s Response
A government spokesperson acknowledged a 28-month delay in notifying women about the pension age changes, accepting maladministration but rejecting compensation claims.
The government argues that:
- By 2006, 90% of 1950s-born women knew about the pension age change.
- Only 1 in 4 people recall receiving a pension notice letter.
- The £10.5 billion cost is unjustifiable for taxpayers.
What Happens Next?
WASPI campaigners are expecting an early court hearing, where judges will decide if the government’s refusal to compensate is legally sound. If successful, the review could force the government to reconsider compensation.
For now, the fight for pension justice continues in the courts.
FAQ’s
What is WASPI fighting for?
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) is campaigning for compensation for 1950s-born women who were affected by state pension age changes without proper notice.
Why is WASPI suing the government?
The government has refused to offer widespread compensation despite admitting to maladministration in notifying women about the pension age changes. WASPI is challenging this decision in court.
How much compensation has been suggested?
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) suggested compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 per affected woman, but the government rejected the proposal.
What is the government’s argument against compensation?
The government argues that most women were aware of the changes by 2006 and that paying £10.5 billion in compensation is unaffordable for taxpayers.
When will the WASPI case be heard in court?
An early court hearing is expected soon, where judges will decide whether the government’s refusal to compensate was legally justified.
The Tory government issued statements
That the new pension would be the same amount for everyone Michael Gove
Stated this on tv many times never mention the 35 years
So women who retired at 65 did not have the correct years so lost out again
It was the Labour government who started this off by raising our State Pension age and NOT informing us about the FIRST increase in age.
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on my 59th birthday in 2013. I then had a stroke in 2014.
I was unable to go back to work after having a Mastectomy which left me with a lot of problems. I still have these problems 12 years later.
The stroke effected my balance and I have major problems walking up and down stairs.
My husband had to cash in his Private Pension as we still had a mortgage in 2013. This was done to help us through a very difficult time.
For this government to say that we were NOT impacted by these changes should think shame of themselves.
As for the rise in our State Pension this year. In actual fact. We are only£129/per year better off. They seem to forget that they took away our Winter Fuel Payment of £300. So maybe they should do their sums again. Would they be happy with £129/per year increase in their salaries? I think we all know the answer to that “NO!!”
Govt must gave financial support to all eligible beneficiaries