WASPI women get boost as MPs set deadline for £2,950 handouts

WASPI campaigners vying for compensation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding a change in the state pension age have been given hope today as MPs set a deadline in the latest parliamentary development.

Women Against State Pension Inequality have been advocating for compensation due to what was deemed to be an unfair increase in the state pension age for females from 60 to 65, and subsequently to 66. The campaigners argue this change occurred without sufficient notice to allow appropriate retirement planning.

Today's gathering in Parliament witnessed a crucial debate centred on WASPI compensation, which could result in payments as high as £2,950 per affected woman by DWP. Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford urged for compensation to be established prior to the House of Commons summer recess beginning on July 23.

This comes after a report on Women's State Pension age advocated 'level four' compensation, varying between £1,000 and £2,950, for each individual impacted, reports the Express. During the discussion based on the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report, it was argued that WASPI women have undergone a "gross injustice" due to poor management from the DWP.

Ross's MP Mr Blackford stated: "The DWP has to play a part in bringing forward proposals for a financial redress scheme to Parliament before the summer recess, and these proposals must be amendable.

Conservative MP Peter Aldous, who co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality for Women, has urged for a resolution to the pension dispute by July 23. He emphasised: "Most importantly, any process must clear the parliamentary process before the summer recess. We do not have long.

"We have less than nine weeks of parliamentary time before recess. This means within days the DWP must come forward with proposals."

"Finite resources are not an excuse for failing to provide a fair remedy. If Parliament chooses to do nothing, that will undermine the ombudsman. The DWP should respect what Parliament recommends. ".