Labour faces 'review' into decision to deny WASPI compensation worth £2,950
WASPI compensation is moving a step forward after the new Labour Party government was urged to "review" its refusal by MPs. The new Labour Party government could be forced to review its decision to reject Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) compensation.
The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on state pension inequality for women has penned a letter urging the Government to "review" its stance on the PHSO's recommendations. The APPG also asked the WPC to evaluate whether the basis for the government's decision not to provide financial redress to women impacted by the identified DWP maladministration was justified.
“As you can imagine many of those women who have suffered this injustice are simply devastated and perplexed by the government’s response,” APPG for State Pension Inequality for Women co-chairs, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Bryn Davies, said.
READ MORE: DWP set to launch bank account checks on people 'who don't claim benefits'
READ MORE: State pensioners born before 1958 urged to make one phone call within next 48 hours
READ MORE UK faces -6C snow blizzard which will begin 'within next 48 hours'
“We are therefore writing to kindly request that you consider opening an inquiry or holding a one-off session into the government’s response. While we appreciate that the committee has no legal powers to compel the government to act in a particular way, we note that historically the committee has played a role in scrutinising government responses to such reports from the PHSO.
“It is gravely concerning that without such scrutiny in this instance, a precedent may be set by this case where the government rejects the PHSO’s independent review and central recommendations without further challenge and discussion.”
Ahead of the vote on Tuesday, Waspi campaigners in Scotland have backed Flynn’s “Women’s State Pension Age (Ombudsman Report and Compensation Scheme) Bill”, calling on all MPs to back it. Linda Carmichael, the chair of Waspi Scotland, said: "Waspi Scotland are pleased to support SNP MP Stephen Flynn’s 10-minute rule bill taking place in Westminster on Tuesday.
“It’s important that we encourage all those affected to contact their MPs to ask for support of the bill as we continue to pursue compensation recommended by PHSO." Flynn’s bill would “require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 inclusive who have been affected by increases in the state pension age”.