WASPI women issued 29-day warning in hunt for DWP payouts worth £2,950
WASPI women have been issued a 29-day warning in their hunt for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) compensation worth a staggering £2950. Women were among millions affected by a government decision in 1995 to increase the state pension age from 60 to 65, and again to 66 in 2012. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group wants women to be compensated over the government's failure to tell them - or provide adequate notice - about the changes.
A post on WASPI social media feeds reads: "WASPI women have traditionally gathered outside Parliament on such days, but this year we are asking all our supporters to go one step further. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard, as thousands of WASPI women renew their calls for fair and fast compensation on Budget Day."
Earlier this year, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found communications from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on the age increase were flawed. A DWP spokesperson said: "This was a serious report, requiring serious consideration. We will continue to listen respectfully to the women involved and ensure we take on board any lessons learnt."
READ MORE UK faces 66 hours of snow with three places 'worst hit' by flurries
Isle of Wight MPs Joe Robertson (East) and Richard Quigley (West), met with women this week with both Members of Parliament expressing their support for the campaign. WASPI explained to Joe and Richard about the impact unfairly implemented increases to the State Pension age have had on their 1950s-born women constituents.
“I continue to support WASPI women and will do what I can to encourage the Government to find a speedy, acceptable solution," Mr Quigley said. “I am supportive of the campaign and urge the Government to make a speedy decision. Delay is causing undue hardship," Mr Robertson said.
And Northamptonshire council has thrown its support behind a campaign calling for women adversely impacted by changes to the state pension age to be fairly compensated.