MPs are rallying to support the WASPI cause, with two motions in Parliament receiving renewed backing. A substantial number of MPs think there should be compensation for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) generation of women.
Many of these politicians spoke out in support of the cause again at a Westminster Hall debate just this week (January 15). The group of women born in the 1950s were affected when their state pension age was extended from 60 to 65 and then to 66, many stating they were blindsided by the change, ruining their retirement plans.
Following an investigation, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found “maladministration” in the DWP’s communication methods regarding the amendment, suggesting compensation between £1,000 and £2,950. Despite these findings, Labour decided last month against any sort of recompense scheme, claiming most of the women knew of the change.
The Government also argued that dispensing payouts would be an unwise use of public funds. After the decision was published, WASPI-supporting MPs set up two separate early day motions opposing the move, and these have attracted more followers of late.
One motion roundly “condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation”, calling on ministers to “rethink this heartless decision”. The motion also states that the Liberal Democrats have long demanded “fair compensation” for these women – the SNP and the Green Party have also backed payouts as a party policy.
This motion has now garnered the support of 46 MPs, with former shadow Chancellor John McDonnell the most recent to add his signature. Speaking at the debate in Westminster Hall this week, Mr McDonnell expressed his dismay over the decision not to compensate.
He said: “Not to have that implemented has crushed people. It’s crushed their confidence in the whole system.” He called on Labour ministers to change course, urging: “I have to say to my own party in Government, what we need now is the Government to sit down with the WASPI women.
“Either implement this scheme or mediate for an alternative. We need action. This issue isn’t going to go away, we’re not going to go away. The women aren’t going away. Tragically some of them are dying, but this campaign will go on until we secure justice.”
Mr McDonnell has also pledged his support for another early day motion which calls on the Government “to reverse this decision, and finally deliver justice for the 3.6 million affected 1950s-born women”. So far this motion has been supported by 11 MPs.
Pensions minister Torsten Bell stated the Government position at the debate this week. He commented: “As custodians of the public purse, we must also ensure that decisions are rooted in evidence and are fair to everyone.
“The fact remains that the vast majority of women knew the state pension age was increasing. Even for those who didn’t, we know that sending letters earlier would not have made a difference in most cases. So while I know this decision will be disappointing, as we are hearing, and many have had frustrations at watching this debate drag on for years, we believe it is the right course of action.”