West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister has written to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to reconsider compensation for women born in the 1950s who were disadvantaged by changes to the state pension age.
Long-running campaign
The debate between ministers and the so-called WASPI women intensified last year when a review by then-Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden was called for after the rediscovery of a 2007 Department for Work and Pensions evaluation. That evaluation had led to officials stopping automatic pension forecast letters.
Following the re-assessment, Mr McFadden said a compensation scheme would not be practical, with a wider flat-rate scheme set to cost around £10.3 billion.
MP's call for fresh review
Mr McAllister, a consistent supporter of the women's cause, has called for a fresh review of the UK Government's position after Mr Burnham's appointment.
He said: “The appointment of our new PM provides a welcome opportunity for further discussion of the injustice suffered by WASPI women. That is why I have written this letter urging Andy Burnham to reconsider the previous position of our government and finally give WASPI women the compensation that they deserve and have been fighting so very long for.”
Local impact
In his letter, the MP notes that almost 6,000 WASPI women in his constituency have described the profound impact of inadequate notice on their lives. Many had made financial and personal decisions based on an expectation of receiving their State Pension at a particular age, only to find themselves having retired too early or forced to return to work.
He writes: “As Prime Minister and leader of a Labour Government committed to fairness, accountability and restoring trust in public institutions, I believe we should carefully consider a response that reflects those values. I, therefore, ask you to review the government’s current position and explore a fair compensation package that recognises the injustice suffered while remaining mindful of the public finances.”
Campaigner scepticism
Last year, local campaigners responded with scepticism to the promised review. WASPI West Dunbartonshire co-ordinator Liz Daly said more than 6,000 women from the area have been affected over a lack of compensation.
She added: “The emotion with all of this is still that we are very angry; this has been going on 10 years now and with me being 70 soon, you look at the average life expectancy here and you realise that women are being robbed again because of how long this is taking.”
