The Labour Government has been asked if there will be a “future fiscal event” to finally deliver compensation for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign.
The campaign group is calling for compensation for the 1950s-born generation of women who were affected when the state pension age increased from 60 to 65, a change they were not properly informed of by the DWP.
There was a major boost for the WASPI cause in March this year when the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman published a report saying the women should get payouts, recommending compensation between £1,000 and £2,950.
Referencing the report, Liberal Democrat MP Susan Murray asked recently in the Commons if “compensation proposals will form part of a future fiscal event”.
Pensions minister Emma Reynolds responded stating: “I was the first Minister in eight years to meet the WASPI campaign group and listen to their concerns.
“We need time to review and consider the Ombudsman’s report along with the evidence provided during the investigation.
“Once this work has been undertaken, the Government will be in a position to outline its approach.”
Another top Labour minister spoke about the WASPI issue this week, with Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, telling the Work and Pensions Committee the Government would act on the compensation issue “as soon as possible”.
The Liberal Democrats have consistently support the WASPI cause as a party, calling for payouts in their manifesto ahead of the General Election over the summer.
The newly formed Work and Pensions Committee could also potentially be a means of support. This is being chaired by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who sat on the previous committee when it came out in support of compensation.
Angela Madden, chair of WASPI, said of Ms Abrahams previously: “She’s keen to continue the conversation with the department. They will be holding the minister to account.
“They will have a scrutiny session set up for before long so it’ll be very interesting to know when that is and pop along and see the outcome of it.”
Another top minister who has previously voiced support for WASPI is Sir Stephen Timms, who serves as a minister for Disabled People, Health and Work.
He said previously: “The debate over the impact of the DWP’s failure to communicate increases in the women’s state pension age has dragged on for too long and it is time the Government took action to resolve the issue.
“There is no perfect solution, but there would seem to be broad support for a rules-based system of compensation with a degree of flexibility for cases where women have experienced direct financial loss.”
