The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is under mounting pressure to make compensation payments of up to £2,950 to thousands of women affected by changes to the State Pension age, as new research reveals overwhelming public support for redress.
Young Voters Demand Justice for WASPI Women
Fresh polling indicates that two in three young people aged 18 to 34 want the Labour government to pay compensation to the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI). The campaign represents 3.6 million women born in the 1950s who were impacted by the rising state pension age.
Furthermore, 53% of 18-34 year-olds believe the government should hold a parliamentary debate and vote on the issue of compensation. This cross-generational support underscores a widespread public belief in governmental accountability.
Ministers in the 'Last Chance Saloon'
Angela Madden, Chair of the WASPI campaign, issued a stark warning to the government, stating ministers are in the "last chance saloon" to deliver justice. The warning comes as the campaign prepares to send one million letters to MPs, amplifying the call for action.
Madden emphasised that the findings prove younger generations value fairness. "They recognise that when the state fails its citizens through maladministration, it must put things right, regardless of age," she said. "They won’t accept a society where governments can simply ignore independent watchdogs."
The Scale of Compensation and Government Admission
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has recommended compensation levels between £1,000 and £2,950 for affected women. Providing payouts at this level to all 3.6 million women could cost between £3.5 billion and £10.5 billion, although the PHSO noted not every woman would have suffered an injustice.
In a significant development last November, the Labour government admitted that "new evidence" had emerged in the case. This evidence was reportedly a DWP survey from 2007. Following this admission, WASPI announced it was seeking legal advice regarding its ongoing judicial review.
The public mandate for action is clear, with 77% of all voters agreeing that people affected by maladministration should be able to receive redress without needing to pursue legal action.
