A fresh update on the long-running WASPI campaign has reignited hopes for millions of women born in the 1950s.
Despite the UK Government refusing to act on an ombudsman’s recommendation, campaigners remain steadfast in their demand for £2,950 in compensation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) movement continues its legal fight, pushing for justice over what they call an unfair implementation of state pension age changes.
What Is the WASPI Campaign About?
Founded in 2015, the WASPI Campaign advocates for women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 who were negatively affected by changes to the State Pension Age (SPA).
These changes, originally introduced in the 1995 State Pension Act, raised the pension age for women from 60 to 65 to equal that of men. However, the issue lies not in the equalisation itself—but in how poorly it was communicated.
Many women received little to no notice, leaving them financially unprepared for retirement and causing widespread hardship.
WASPI stresses:
“We’re not against equalisation, but we oppose the unfair and poorly implemented process that impacted 3.8 million women.”
Compensation Demands and Government Refusal
In 2023, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) concluded that women affected by these changes should receive compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 based on the extent of personal injustice suffered. However, the DWP rejected the findings, refusing to implement any compensation payout scheme.
In response, WASPI is taking the fight to the High Court, requesting a declaration that the DWP’s decision not to compensate was “irrational” and lacked cogent justification.
Legal Battle and Fundraising Milestone
WASPI has launched legal proceedings to challenge the government’s position and is seeking a cost-capping order from the court to limit legal fees in case of an unsuccessful outcome. To achieve this, the group has now raised over £180,000, pushing their target to £230,000.
A campaign spokesperson declared:
“We’ve had enough of being brushed off. We’re now armed with the funds to take this all the way to court.”
They added that the DWP’s annual budget of £275.8 billion makes its refusal to compensate seem even more unreasonable.
Key Details of WASPI Compensation Update
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Age Group | Born between 6 April 1950 – 5 April 1960 |
| Number of Women Impacted | 3.8 million |
| Recommended Compensation | Up to £2,950 per person |
| Government’s Position | Rejected ombudsman’s report; no compensation |
| WASPI Campaign Status | Legal action underway |
| Current Fundraising Total | £180,000+ and rising |
| Target to Secure Cost Protection | £230,000 |
The WASPI campaign is at a critical stage, with legal proceedings advancing and pressure mounting on the government to reverse its stance. The call for £2,950 in compensation per woman represents more than just financial reparation—it is a demand for accountability and justice.
As the movement grows and the legal fight gains momentum, the determination of 1950s-born women remains clear:
“This is a line in the sand—WASPI will not back down.”
FAQs
Who qualifies for the WASPI compensation?
Women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 who were affected by the pension age changes without adequate notice.
Is the £2,950 payment confirmed?
No. The amount was a recommendation by the ombudsman, but the DWP has refused to pay, and the case is now subject to legal proceedings.
What is the next step in the WASPI campaign?
WASPI is pursuing a High Court case and seeking cost protection to proceed further. They remain determined to fight until justice is achieved.