The UK government has announced it will revisit its decision to deny compensation to millions of women born in the 1950s affected by changes to the state pension age. The move comes weeks before a High Court legal challenge was due to begin.
Up to 3.6 million women, known as Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality), lost out due to government failings in how the state pension age was raised from 60 to 65 and then to 66. Campaigners say many had their retirement plans disrupted and were left thousands of pounds out of pocket.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the Commons on Tuesday that the government would “retake” the decision, citing new evidence that was not shown to his predecessor Liz Kendall. However, senior Whitehall sources suggest the evidence is unlikely to change the outcome, but the review is necessary due to impending legal action.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) had recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 per person, costing £3.5bn to £10.5bn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously stated that improving public services was a higher priority than payouts.
Waspi chair Angela Madden called the announcement “a major step forward” and said the group is seeking legal advice on the implications for their judicial review, originally scheduled for 9 December.
