On Monday 17 March, MPs debated in parliament a scandal over compensation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It would be for the so-called WASPI women – those affected by changes to the state pension age. The petition, signed by over 160,000 individuals, underscores the enduring grievances of women born in the 1950s, who have faced significant financial and personal hardships due to abrupt alterations in their retirement timelines.
The DWP WASPI scandal has been decades in the making
Historically, the UK’s state pension age was 60 for women and 65 for men. The Pensions Act 1995 initiated a gradual equalization of the state pension age, aiming to raise women’s retirement age to 65 between 2010 and 2020. This change was further accelerated by the Pensions Act 2011, which expedited the increase, resulting in women experiencing a more rapid shift in their retirement age than initially anticipated.
These legislative changes were implemented with inadequate communication from the DWP. Many affected women received little to no direct notification, leaving them unaware of the impending changes and unprepared for the financial implications.
This lack of effective communication has been a central grievance of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, which has tirelessly advocated for justice and compensation.
So, off the back of a huge petition, a Westminster Hall debate in parliament took place.
An important debate
During the debate, Dr. Roz Savage (South Cotswolds) introduced the petition, emphasising DWP failures in adequately informing the affected women.
She highlighted that despite a 15-year lead-in period, many women were informed 21 years after the legislation passed, with some receiving no notification at all. Dr. Savage criticized the government’s inaction, noting that the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) had found clear maladministration in the DWP’s communication and recommended compensation of £2,950 for each affected woman.
As a consequence of all this, the WASPI campaign is forcing a judicial review against the DWP. As the Canary previously reported, lawyers for the women filed papers for this at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 17 March.
Richard Burgon (Leeds East) echoed these sentiments, pointing out that 74% of the public support fair compensation for the WASPI women. He questioned the integrity of the democratic process if such overwhelming public opinion could be disregarded by the government.
Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre) also expressed concern over the government’s stance, highlighting the betrayal felt by the affected women and the erosion of trust in public institutions.
However, Savage perhaps pointed out some of the most damning implications of DWP callousness. She noted:
As a result of the changes, between 6% and 15% of affected women have fallen into poverty. Recent surveys show that 84% worry about energy bills, 76% worry about their financial future and, tragically, 71% avoid leaving their home to save money.
The government’s response to the PHSO’s findings has been dismissive.
Dismissive
Despite the ombudsman’s recommendation for compensation, the government has refused to act, citing financial constraints and asserting that most women were aware of the changes.
This stance not only undermines the role of the PHSO but also disregards the lived experiences of the affected women, many of whom have faced financial hardship due to the sudden changes in their retirement plans.
The government’s primary argument against compensation revolves around the financial burden it would impose on taxpayers. Estimates suggest that compensating the affected women could cost between £3.5 billion and £10.5 billion. However, this perspective fails to consider the broader context of government spending and the ethical obligation to rectify acknowledged administrative failings. The refusal to allocate funds for compensation raises questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to justice for its citizens.
Public sentiment heavily favors the WASPI women’s cause, with a significant majority supporting fair compensation. Media outlets have extensively covered the issue, highlighting the personal stories of affected women and the broader implications of the government’s inaction.
The DWP: callous at best
The debate on March 17, 2025, highlighted the ongoing struggle of the WASPI women and the government’s reluctance to address their grievances adequately. The DWP’s failure to communicate significant changes effectively has had profound personal and financial impacts on millions of women. Its refusal to implement the PHSO’s recommendations for compensation not only undermines the ombudsman’s authority but also signals a disregard for the affected individuals’ hardships.
As Savage summed up:
The clock is ticking. More than 300,000 women born in the 1950s have died since this campaign began, with another passing away every 13 minutes on average. The solution is clear: the Government must act now to compensate WASPI women fairly and swiftly. These women have served their community, family and country, and it is time that we served them.
In a democratic society, the DWP and government have a duty to act transparently and justly, especially when its actions adversely affect its citizens. The plight of the WASPI women serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of all citizens.
As public support for the WASPI campaign continues to grow, it is imperative for the government to reconsider its stance and take meaningful action to rectify this longstanding injustice.
Featured image via the Canary
