DWP leader Liz Kendall has recently shared an update that impacts many women born in the 1950s. These women have felt the effects of changes to the State Pension age and are now facing further delays in any discussed compensation plans.
During discussions in Parliament on Monday, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds highlighted the complexity of the final report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), released on March 21. Due to this complexity, the government needs more time to carefully study the findings and recommendations. The report has raised difficult issues, and officials are working to fully understand its impact before deciding on any compensation plans.
Liz Kendall’s Commitment to WASPI Women
Labour MP Chris Webb urged Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to take quick action on an issue many believe has been ignored for too long. He called on her to handle this matter differently than the previous government and finally address what he described as a serious injustice. This injustice affects women born in the 1950s, who faced changes to their State Pension age without enough warning, leaving them unprepared.
In response, Liz Kendall assured everyone of her commitment to resolving these concerns. She shared that, before the recent election, she met with members of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, a group fighting for fair treatment for women affected by these changes. Kendall highlighted that this issue is a priority for her team. Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds was the first government official in eight years to meet directly with WASPI campaigners. Kendall explained that this shows a renewed focus within the government to listen to the affected women and work towards real solutions.
Labour MP: 3.6 Million Women Deserve Answers on State Pension Age Changes
Ms. Kendall highlighted the importance of the report, saying, “This is a very serious report, and it needs careful and thoughtful review. We are committed to resolving this issue as soon as possible.”
Labour MP Mohammad Yasin echoed this urgency, asking the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to give a clear timeline for the 3.6 million women affected by changes to their State Pension age. He requested that these women, who have waited for answers, be given a date for the government’s response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report and a possible compensation plan. Yasin expressed, “I have long supported the women in Bedford born in the 1950s who have been let down by the DWP. We need to support the WASPI women, many of whom are struggling.”
Yasin then asked the Minister to share when the government would respond to the PHSO report, which has suggested a compensation scheme for these women.
Minister Emma Reynolds replied, emphasizing the report’s significance, stating, “The Ombudsman’s report took six years to complete, and it deserves a careful review. We are now examining its complex details and will decide once we have fully considered all aspects.”
Adding to the calls for action, Adrian Ramsay, Green Party co-leader, demanded clarity on how the government plans to address this “serious injustice” towards the WASPI women. He pointed out the frustration over the lack of quick action to provide support, pressing for clear steps forward.
Calls for WASPI Women’s Compensation Grow as Government Reviews Report
He asked, “Could the Minister provide a timeline for when she will respond to the report and outline the actions planned?” Ms. Reynolds responded, highlighting the need for a careful review, saying, “The Ombudsman spent six years examining these cases, which are serious and complex. We need time to fully consider them, and that’s exactly what we are doing.”
Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis acknowledged the report’s complexity and urged the government to commit to a clear principle, asking, “Can I request a statement that the Government will eventually provide substantial compensation to the WASPI women?”
Ms. Reynolds, repeating her earlier response, noted the thorough six-year investigation by the Ombudsman and said, “We are taking this very seriously, but I cannot make any announcements today.”
