Campaigners for millions of women affected by state pension age changes have been issued a stark warning that a crucial government decision on compensation could be postponed. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) movement is awaiting a fresh verdict from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but a specific legal phrase has introduced uncertainty over the timing.
The Crucial Legal Phrase Creating 'Wiggle Room'
Hopes for compensation were revived in December 2025 when the Government announced it would retake its decision on how to address the WASPI issue. This came just a week before a scheduled High Court judicial review, which WASPI had applied for after the DWP's initial December 2024 ruling that there would be no payouts.
The DWP agreed to an out-of-court settlement, paying £180,000 towards WASPI's legal costs. A court order mandated that Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden must "use his best endeavours to take and communicate a new decision" within three months of December 3, 2025, setting a theoretical deadline of Tuesday, March 3.
However, WASPI campaign chair Angela Madden has highlighted the significance of the term "best endeavours". She explained that this wording provides the Government with some leeway. "What 'best endeavours' means is should everything go as you planned, you will get it done," Ms Madden stated, noting it allows for a slight delay in case of a major unforeseen event.
A Long Fight for Justice
The campaign represents women born in the 1950s who saw their state pension age increase from 60 to 65 and then 66. They argue the DWP failed to properly inform them of the changes, devastating retirement plans. An investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in 2023 found maladministration in the DWP's communication, recommending compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 per woman.
The DWP's original response in December 2024 included an apology for the delay in sending letters but maintained that most women were aware of the changes and that earlier communication would not have altered outcomes, leading to the refusal of compensation.
Campaigners Prepare to Apply Pressure
Angela Madden has outlined the campaign's next steps if the decision is not forthcoming by the early March deadline. "We will be looking for it late February, very early March," she said. "But say by the end of the first week in March, if nothing is forthcoming, we would be speaking to our lawyers about what to do, to make this happen." The group plans to allow a short grace period before escalating pressure.
This is not the first time the campaign's progress has been disrupted by external events. In May 2023, a Work and Pensions Committee call for compensation plans was abruptly halted when a General Election was called, disbanding the committee.
With the new deadline looming, WASPI women and their supporters now face an anxious wait to see if the Government will meet its commitment or if the two words "best endeavours" will lead to further delay in their long battle for justice.
