The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a firm warning in response to mounting calls for compensation of up to £2,950 for women born in the 1950s impacted by changes to the State Pension age.
These women, represented by the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, are intensifying legal efforts after a government watchdog found maladministration in how the changes were communicated.
DWP Accepts Fault But Refuses Payout
In a recent statement, the DWP acknowledged the 28-month delay in contacting the affected group, which the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) classified as maladministration.
The department has formally apologized for the delay, which left thousands of women unaware of the later retirement age.
However, the department firmly rejected the Ombudsman’s recommended course of compensation, stating it disagrees with the approach to determining injustice and remedies. The DWP’s statement emphasized:
“We accept the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologised. However, we do not agree with the approach to injustice or remedy and will not pay compensation.”
WASPI Campaign Hits Major Milestone
Despite this opposition, the WASPI campaign has exceeded its crowdfunding goal, raising over £180,000 to fund a legal challenge in the High Court.
The campaign’s aim is to compel the government to address the financial injustice faced by many of the affected women. With fresh energy, the movement has now increased its fundraising target to £230,000 to support upcoming court proceedings.
Campaigners argue that many of the women were left financially unprepared because the government failed to inform them adequately about the changes introduced through the Pensions Act 1995 and the Pensions Act 2011.
These acts saw the State Pension age rise from 60 to 65 and later to 66, significantly affecting retirement planning for those born in the 1950s.
Legal Battle: A “Line in the Sand”
A spokesperson for the campaign described the current situation as a turning point:
“This is a line in the sand. We’ve had enough of being brushed off. We’re now armed with the funds to take this all the way to court.”
The judicial review now underway could set an important legal precedent regarding how governments handle major policy changes impacting citizens’ finances.
The campaign argues that proper notification could have allowed affected women to plan for later retirement, possibly mitigating the financial and emotional hardship now endured by many.
For some, the consequences included delayed retirement, depleted savings, and prolonged financial insecurity.
What’s at Stake?
The WASPI movement emphasizes that the fight is not just for retroactive compensation, but also for accountability and improved communication in future policy rollouts.
The goal is to ensure that no generation is again blindsided by poorly communicated government decisions.
With legal support growing and funds accumulating, the campaign hopes that a successful challenge will not only lead to fair compensation for those affected but also establish a clear standard for how pension reforms should be handled.
Key Details on WASPI Compensation Dispute
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Group | Women born in the 1950s |
| Issue | Poor communication of pension age changes |
| Compensation Sought | Up to £2,950 per person |
| DWP Stance | Apologized, but refuses to issue compensation |
| Legal Action | Judicial review funded by WASPI campaign |
| Funds Raised (as of now) | Over £180,000 |
| New Fundraising Goal | £230,000 |
| Relevant Legislation | Pensions Act 1995 & Pensions Act 2011 |
The WASPI compensation battle continues to gain traction as thousands of affected women rally for justice. Despite the DWP’s refusal to provide compensation, the legal campaign is surging forward with increased funding and public support.
As the judicial review unfolds, the outcome could reshape how the UK government handles large-scale policy transitions in the future—particularly those with significant social and financial impacts.
FAQs
What is WASPI and who does it represent?
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) is a campaign group representing women born in the 1950s who were negatively affected by changes to the State Pension age.
Why is the DWP refusing to pay the £2,950 compensation?
While the DWP accepted the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration, it disagreed with the suggested remedy and thus refused compensation.
What are WASPI’s next legal steps?
WASPI is pursuing a judicial review in the High Court, backed by a growing crowdfunding campaign, to seek justice and enforce accountability.