The new Labour Government’s response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) report on state pension age changes for women born in the 1950s remains unclear despite ministers being asked to provide an update.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds met with Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners in September, but there has been no further communication on potential compensation.
The PHSO report, released in March, found the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guilty of “maladministration” for failing to properly inform women about the increase in state pension age.
Recent MP inquiries suggest any major updates may be postponed until early next year, leaving millions of affected women in limbo.
The PHSO report recommended compensation at Level four of its scale, which could mean payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.
It stressed that “Parliament must urgently identify a mechanism for providing that appropriate remedy”.
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According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 3.5 million women have been affected by the pension age adjustments.
Emma Reynolds, the first minister in eight years to meet with Waspi campaigners, stated that the Government is “currently working through all aspects of the Ombudsman’s final report along with the evidence provided during the investigation”.
However, the lack of a clear timeline for response has left many affected women frustrated and concerned about further delays in receiving justice.
During this week’s Business of the House session, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder called for “clarity on compensation” and urged for a debate on the PHSO report’s findings.
He stated: “Women affected by the changes to the state pension age continue to wait for clarity on the compensation recommended by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in its March report.”
Lucy Powell, the leader of the House, acknowledged the report’s significance, saying it requires “serious consideration by the Government”.
She added: “I know that it is frustrating, but Ministers are actively doing that as we speak. Of course, once they are ready to do so, they will come to the House with a full response.”
Written questions to the DWP have also sought information on potential debates and discussions regarding financial redress before the winter recess.
The Waspi campaign has announced a protest in Parliament Square on October 30, ahead of the Labour Government’s Autumn Budget.
Campaigners will demonstrate from 12pm to 3pm, demanding compensation for all women born in the 1950s affected by State Pension age changes.
The ‘Waspi can’t wait – compensate’ protest aims to maintain pressure for a compensation scheme, as recommended by the PHSO.
This demonstration coincides with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ presentation of her inaugural Budget in the House of Commons.
