Ministers are facing a 'last chance saloon' warning from campaigners for millions of women born in the 1950s, as new polling reveals overwhelming support for compensation among younger voters.
Young Voters Rally Behind WASPI Cause
A major survey has found that 66% of voters aged between 18 and 34 believe the Government should award payouts to the women affected by the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) maladministration. The polling, conducted by Yonder, surveyed 2,095 adults and highlights a significant cross-generational demand for justice.
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) chair Angela Madden stated that the findings prove younger people understand the importance of fairness. "They recognise that when the state fails its citizens through maladministration, it must put things right, regardless of age," said the 71-year-old campaigner.
Mounting Pressure on the Government
The Government is under intense pressure to reverse its decision not to award compensation, which is estimated to be between £1,000 and £2,950 for 3.6 million women. The issue stems from failures at the DWP to properly communicate the increase in the state pension age for women from 60 to 65, and later to 66.
This lack of communication left many of the worst-affected women unable to plan for their future, with some being plunged into poverty. The campaigners have raised over £250,000 to fund a potential legal challenge.
Next month, supporters will learn if the Government will change its stance following new evidence. A planned judicial review, which was set for the start of December, is currently on hold pending the outcome of this latest review.
A Call for Action and Debate
The polling data further indicates that 53% of 18-34 year-olds believe Parliament should hold a debate and vote on the compensation issue. Moreover, 77% agree that people affected by governmental maladministration should be able to receive redress without having to resort to costly legal action.
Angela Madden issued a stark warning to the Government: "This really is crunch time. We need every MP making it clear that ministers are in the last chance saloon. If they again ignore the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s recommendations, they risk a humiliating tsunami of national outrage and further legal action."
With widespread public support now clearly quantified, the campaign enters a critical phase, demanding that ministers finally deliver justice for the WASPI women.
