The UK government’s refusal to compensate women affected by the rising state pension age has led to a fierce backlash, as campaigners and politicians condemn the decision

The UK government has ignited a firestorm of anger after it rejected calls for compensation for women affected by the rising state pension age, known as the “Waspi women.” Despite acknowledging failures in communication, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed on Tuesday that no flat-rate compensation scheme would be introduced for the more than 3 million women impacted by the changes.

Kendall, addressing MPs in the House of Commons, explained that the government had accepted the findings of the parliamentary and health service ombudsman’s report, which found maladministration in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, the government rejected the ombudsman’s recommendation to pay out between £1,000 and £2,950 to each affected woman, arguing that the majority were aware of the changes.

In her speech, Kendall referenced survey evidence from 2006, stating that 90% of the women impacted were aware of the planned changes to the state pension age. She argued that paying out a flat-rate compensation scheme would be “unfair” to taxpayers, potentially costing up to £10.5 billion.

The decision was met with furious condemnation from campaigners and politicians alike. Angela Madden, chair of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign, called the move “bizarre” and “totally unjustified.” She questioned the role of the ombudsman if ministers could simply disregard its decisions, comparing the government’s stance to the actions of controversial political figures like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump.

Political leaders from across the spectrum also voiced their anger. The Liberal Democrats’ Steve Darling described it as a “day of shame” for the Labour government, accusing them of turning their backs on women “wronged through no fault of their own.” Meanwhile, SNP spokesperson Kirsty Blackman labelled it a “devastating betrayal” of the Waspi women who had spent years campaigning for justice.

The row centres around the gradual increase in the state pension age for women, which began under John Major’s Conservative government in 1995 and was accelerated in 2011. Women born between 1950 and 1960, who had expected to receive their pensions at 60, were caught off guard by the sudden changes, leading to claims that many were left in financial hardship.

While Kendall agreed with the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration, she argued that the failure to send personal letters to all affected women was not as significant as the report suggested. The government’s refusal to offer compensation has led to growing dissatisfaction, particularly among unions like Unite, which has been vocal in its criticism of both the pension changes and the recent withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance.

Former pensions minister Ros Altmann, herself a Waspi woman, said she did not believe personal compensation was necessary but acknowledged the “strong moral case” for women who had suffered hardship to be compensated on a case-by-case basis.

Keir Starmer, who was questioned about the issue during a visit to Estonia, said he understood the Waspi women’s concerns but suggested that it would not be right to impose a further financial burden on taxpayers.

The ongoing debate has stirred memories of Labour’s past support for compensating the Waspi women. Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Labour included a commitment to compensate them in its 2017 and 2019 manifestos. In response to the government’s decision, Corbyn expressed his anger on social media, questioning the government’s priorities.

The government’s decision not to compensate the Waspi women has thus become a deeply divisive issue, with critics accusing ministers of abandoning the vulnerable, while the government argues that the decision is in the best interests of taxpayers.

SKY NEWS

The government’s refusal to compensate Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) has sparked fierce criticism, with some labelling the decision as potentially as damaging a political misstep as the controversial winter fuel payment cuts. The WASPI campaign has been fighting for compensation for women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the state pension age, which were implemented without sufficient notice. These women, many of whom were left with little time to prepare for the changes, argue that they were unfairly treated.

The government’s stance on the issue has caused significant public uproar, as many see it as an unjust denial of compensation for those who experienced financial hardship due to the sudden pension age rise. Critics argue that the decision will alienate voters, particularly older women, who feel the government has failed to fulfil its promises and protect their financial interests. Some experts believe the backlash could have a similar impact on the government’s reputation as the unpopular winter fuel cut, which led to public protests and criticism of the Conservative Party.

With parliamentary elections on the horizon, the WASPI decision could have broader political ramifications, particularly in marginal constituencies where older voters are a key demographic. As the public discourse around the issue grows louder, the government’s handling of this matter may significantly affect its standing with the electorate.

THE TELEGRAPH

Labour has backtracked on its pledge to compensate the 3.8 million women affected by changes to the state pension age. Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, denied compensation, arguing that the government had adequately notified women of the rise in pension age. This decision contradicts Labour’s previous stance, including a 2019 manifesto promise and a 2022 pledge by Sir Keir Starmer for “fair and fast compensation.”

The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign claims that the rise in pension age, from 60 to 65, was poorly communicated, leaving many women unprepared and facing financial hardship. Despite the parliamentary ombudsman recommending compensation of up to £2,950 per affected woman, Labour rejected the proposal, citing the cost.

Critics, including Helen Whately, Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary, have accused the party of hypocrisy, pointing to their broken promises. The U-turn risks alienating voters, especially older women, and raises questions about Labour’s commitment to gender equality and fairness in retirement.