WASPI issues update over DWP response to £3,000 compensation petition

WASPI campaigners have expressed their dissatisfaction with a Government response to a petition calling for compensation that has amassed over 130,000 signatures. The petition on the Parliament website calls on ministers to "fairly compensate" Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) women, which has achieved more than 133,000 signatures to date.

These women, born in the 1950s, are eagerly anticipating whether they will be granted compensation from the DWP after not being adequately informed about the increase in their state pension age from 60 to 65 or 66, an unforeseen change that left many in financial difficulty. Released in March this year, a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman suggested compensatory payments range between £1,000 and £2,950.

In its consideration of the petition, the DWP stated it is "reviewing" the ombudsman's report, promising to "be in a position to outline its approach" once the review is concluded. Despite the fact that the Government insists it is "listening respectfully" to the WASPI campaigners, recently evidenced by pensions minister Emma Reynolds meeting with group representatives, Angela Madden, the chair of the WASPI campaign, branded their reply as lacking.

"Respect is not shown just by 'listening' to WASPI women as ministers have indicated." she said. "It is shown by acting swiftly on the Parliamentary Ombudsman's clear instructions to compensate those affected."

She noted the petition's swift gathering of 100,000 signatures, highlighting "the overwhelming support across the country for fair compensation". She continued, "Only the Government has the power to deliver it. With one WASPI woman dying every 13 minutes, ministers would be wise to bring their compensation proposals to Parliament without any further delay."

Parties across the board have shown their support, with endorsements from the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and the Green Party. A cross-party letter demanding government action was signed by prominent figures including the SNP's Stephen Flynn, Lib Dem Sir Ed Davey, and Green co-leader Carla Denyer.

The MPs behind this push have previously suggested that the women should receive payments of £10,000 or more, in line with what the Ombudsman recommended. Labour heavyweights backing the fight include Debbie Abrahams of the Work and Pensions Committee, alongside the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Sir Stephen Timms.

Full details of the DWP's response to the petition are available to read here..