Campaigners from Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) say they have secured the backing of 100 Members of Parliament for a joint letter pressing the Government to act fairly on the long-running pension dispute affecting women born in the 1950s.
The letter urges the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, to provide a clear update on the Government’s position no later than March 2, calling on ministers to “reach the right decision” after years of delay.
Review Triggered by Rediscovered DWP Evidence
In November, Mr McFadden confirmed that his department would reconsider an earlier decision not to compensate affected women.
This review followed legal proceedings that brought renewed attention to a 2007 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) evaluation, which revealed that officials had stopped issuing automatic state pension forecast letters.
Campaigners argue that this decision contributed to many women being unaware of changes to their state pension age, leaving them without adequate time to adjust their retirement plans.
Despite agreeing to reassess the issue, Mr McFadden made no firm commitment that the review would result in compensation. Waspi representatives confirmed that the MPs’ letter is scheduled to be sent on Thursday.
Campaigners Demand an End to Delays
Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, criticised what she described as continued Government inaction.
“Ministers must stop dragging their feet and finally deliver compensation to Waspi women,” she said.
Her comments echo growing frustration among those affected, many of whom say they faced financial hardship due to the lack of timely communication.
Cross-Party Support Strengthens Pressure
Steve Darling, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for work and pensions, said the issue could no longer be ignored.
He stated that women impacted by the pension age changes had followed the rules, yet were denied proper notice and the opportunity to plan for retirement. According to him, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the wider public, and MPs from multiple parties now agree that compensation is justified.
Ombudsman Recommended Compensation Range
Earlier findings from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) suggested that affected women could reasonably receive between £1,000 and £2,950 each, based on the failures in how the pension changes were communicated.
However, the Government pushed back in December 2024, saying that while it accepted the ombudsman’s conclusion of maladministration and issued an apology for delayed correspondence, a universal compensation scheme could not be supported. Officials estimated such a scheme might cost up to £10.5 billion, which they said would be unfair to taxpayers.
Government Maintains Cautious Stance
A spokesperson for the DWP reiterated that the department has committed to reconsidering the decision within a three-month timeframe, but stressed that this review does not guarantee financial compensation will be approved.
The Waspi campaign has entered a crucial phase, with growing cross-party parliamentary support intensifying pressure on the Government to act.
While ministers acknowledge past failures in communication and have agreed to review their stance, uncertainty remains over whether compensation will be granted.
As the March 2 deadline approaches, thousands of 1950s-born women are watching closely, hoping this renewed momentum will finally lead to a fair and definitive resolution.
FAQs
What is the Waspi campaign about?
The Waspi campaign represents women born in the 1950s who say they were not properly informed about increases to the state pension age.
How many MPs support the latest letter to the Government?
Campaigners say 100 MPs from across the political spectrum have backed the letter calling for action.
Has the Government agreed to pay compensation?
No. While the Government is reviewing its decision, it has not committed to awarding compensation.
Originally posted 2026-02-20 01:48:01.