City News
Hundreds of Waspi supporters have demonstrated outside Parliament

Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) have threatened legal action against the government if their compensation demands are ignored.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves overlooked their request for payments during the recent Budget, despite substantial funds allocated for other victims of government errors.

The Waspi group represents women born in the 1950s who have been negatively impacted by the increase in state pension age, with around 3.6 million women facing delays in receiving their pensions.

A parliamentary watchdog, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), found that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) mishandled notifications regarding these changes and recommended compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, which could total up to £10.5 billion.

Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, expressed disappointment over Reeves’s inaction, asserting the need for a prompt acceptance of the ombudsman’s recommendations. She emphasised that ignoring the findings would be morally wrong and stated that legal action remains a viable option. Madden noted that while their supporters may not be wealthy, their numbers are significant and they are prepared to pursue justice.

In 2023, Waspi successfully raised £120,000 for legal proceedings against the ombudsman, which ultimately led to the recommendation for compensation after a judicial review. Hundreds of Waspi supporters demonstrated outside Parliament, committing to continuing their campaign in the coming months.

The Waspi campaign continues to gain momentum, with activists organizing protests and rallies to raise awareness. Their determination highlights the broader issues of fairness and accountability within the pension system. Many supporters are calling for greater public engagement and media attention to ensure that their voices are heard.

As the situation evolves, Waspi leaders are preparing to intensify their efforts, advocating for not just compensation but systemic changes to prevent similar injustices in the future. The outcome of their struggle could have significant implications for pension policies affecting millions of women across the UK.