Dave Doogan MP pledges support for WASPI campaigners
Angus and Perthshire Glens MP Dave Doogan has pledged his support for women born in the 1950s whose State Pension age was increased without proper notice.
The worst affected individuals received just 18 months’ notice of a six-year delay to their State Pension and tens of thousands of women have been plunged into poverty as a result.
Mr Doogan met with Women Against State Pension Inequality – WASPI – campaigners at the Houses of Parliament and has backed their campaign for fair and fast compensation.
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A landmark report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) published in March this year confirmed that the Department for Work and Pensions had been guilty of “maladministration” by failing to let women know that their State Pension age was to increase from 60 to 65, then 66.
The ombudsman has told ministers to urgently apologise and pay compensation to all affected women.
In May the Work and Pensions Committee unambiguously backed WASPI campaigners’ calls for the government to bring forward financial redress proposals before the summer parliamentary recess.
Since the PHSO’s report was released, over 18,000 women have died while waiting for a government response.
The WASPI campaign is calling on the government to set out compensation proposals in front of parliament and give MPs an opportunity to vote on plans for financial redress.
SNP politician Mr Doogan said: “The parliamentary ombudsman was clear. Women born in the 1950s have suffered because of the lack of reasonable notice given by the DWP about changes to their State Pension age.
“It is the duty of parliament to put right this historic injustice and, with thousands of affected women in my constituency, I will continue to work to see fair and fast compensation delivered.”
Angela Madden is chair of the WASPI campaign.
She said: “We are very grateful to Dave for his support.
“With clear recommendations in the parliamentary ombudsman’s report, it is vital we have the backing of parliamentarians who can help deliver compensation for WASPI women.
“Since our campaign began, more than 290,000 women have tragically died and we hope to see action to remedy this long-running in justice by the new government as quickly as possible.”
A DWP spokesperson said: “We will consider the ombudsman’s report and respond in due course, having cooperated fully throughout this investigation.”
They added: “The government has always been committed to supporting all pensioners in a sustainable way that gives them a dignified retirement while also being fair to them and taxpayers.”