The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign is intensifying its efforts to secure justice for approximately 3.6 million women born in the 1950s. These women have been significantly impacted by changes to the state pension age, which were first announced in 1995 and later accelerated in 2011 by the coalition government. The campaign has issued a "letter before action" to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), indicating potential high court proceedings if their demands for compensation are not met. This move comes in response to the government's refusal to allocate £10 billion in compensation, despite accepting that these women are victims of maladministration.
The phased changes to equalize the retirement age with men have left many women facing unexpected financial hardship. The parliamentary and health service ombudsman has recommended compensating these women, arguing that the changes were inadequately communicated. A government spokesperson acknowledged this maladministration, stating, "We accept the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologised for there being a 28-month delay in writing to 1950s-born women."
Angela Madden, a leading figure in the Waspi campaign, has been vocal about the perceived injustice.
“The government has accepted that 1950s-born women are victims of maladministration, but it now says none of us suffered any injustice. We believe this is not only an outrage but legally wrong.” – Angela Madden
The campaign is seeking £10.5 billion in compensation. Madden remains optimistic about their chances in court.
“We have been successful before and we are confident we will be again. But what would be better for everyone is if the secretary of state now saw sense and came to the table to sort out a compensation package.” – Angela Madden
“The alternative is continued defence of the indefensible but this time in front of a judge.” – Angela Madden
Political support for the Waspi campaign is growing. Labour MPs, including party leader Keir Starmer, have expressed backing for the campaign's cause. In addition, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has introduced a bill urging the government to address the findings of the ombudsman's report. Ten Labour MPs, including Brian Leishman, have also supported this initiative.
Despite these efforts, the government has maintained its stance, with a spokesperson asserting that none of the women suffered any injustice. This position has further fueled the determination of the Waspi campaigners, who argue that prolonged legal battles could have been avoided with a fair and timely resolution.