Supporters of compensation for WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women outnumber opponents by almost four to one, according to a new analysis of more than 10,000 voters.
Around half (47%) of voters believe women affected by State Pension age changes should receive full or partial redress, the Stack Data Strategy research showed. Just 13% believe the women were not wronged or should not be compensated.
Background to the WASPI campaign
More than 3.5 million women born in the 1950s lost out after the Department for Work and Pensions increased the State Pension age from 60 to 66 but did not properly inform those affected.
Keir Starmer’s government refused to roll out a compensation package, as recommended by an independent ombudsman back in 2024. But campaigners have been given new hope after Andy Burnham agreed to meet with them to discuss putting the scandal right, the Mirror reported in July.
Public opinion on compensation options
When presented with the Parliamentary Ombudsman's ruling and asked to choose between a range of options for how the Government could respond, more than eight in ten (83%) chose an option involving some form of financial compensation.
The most popular options were paying the maximum compensation recommended and paying proportionate amounts of between £1,000 and £2,950 per woman.
In the Prime Minister’s own constituency of Makerfield in Greater Manchester, 48% of voters back compensation, while just 12% are against payouts.
Political implications and campaign response
More than a third (37%) of respondents say the new Labour leader refusing to compensate WASPI women would make them less likely to vote for the party at the next election. Of 2024 Labour voters, a similar number (38%) believe they would be less likely to stick with the party if compensation was refused.
Angela Madden, chair of the WASPI campaign, said: “This research sends a clear message to ministers: supporters of compensation outnumber opponents by almost four to one.
“We are pleased that Andy Burnham has recognised the harms experienced by WASPI women and has committed to meeting us to discuss what providing fair redress looks like. WASPI stands ready to work with the Government to identify a solution that is fair to both affected women and the taxpayer.”
A DWP spokesman said: “The Secretary of State set out the Government’s position in his oral statement to Parliament, including acceptance of maladministration and apology to the women affected.
“Our focus now is on delivering an action plan to implement lessons learned in how DWP communicates State Pension matters going forward.”
The MRP poll was carried out by Stack Data Strategy between July 8 and August 4 among 10,052 GB adults.
