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Government Rejects £10.5bn Compensation for 3.6 Million WASPI Women Despite Ombudsman's Advice

Dec 17, 2024, 01:55 PM

The UK government has announced that the 3.6 million women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the state pension age will not receive financial compensation. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that there was "no direct financial loss" suffered and that providing compensation, which could cost up to £10.5bn, would not be a fair or proportionate use of taxpayers' money. This decision rejects the Parliamentary Ombudsman's recommendation that these women, known as the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women, should receive compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950. Liz Kendall added that there was "considerable awareness" of the changes to the state pension age. The move has been met with disappointment and criticism from campaigners and MPs, with some considering legal action, arguing that the women were not properly informed and have been unjustly denied their pensions.