The campaign group Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing legal battle with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). As the high court agrees to hear their judicial review, support for WASPI continues to surge.
The challenge centers on women born in the 1950s, whose state pension age was raised from 60 to 65, and later to 66. Campaigners argue that these women were inadequately informed about the changes, leaving many unaware until it was too late, which upended their retirement plans.
WASPI has been actively fundraising to cover mounting legal costs, and thanks to public generosity, has raised over £240,000. Moreover, the court has granted a costs capping order, ensuring that the losing side will be limited in the legal expenses they must pay.
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This case follows the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s acknowledgment of ‘maladministration’ by the DWP due to the delayed notification to affected women. Although the Ombudsman’s findings offered hope, the DWP announced late last year that it would not award compensation, maintaining its stance that most women were aware of the changes and that earlier communication would have had minimal impact.
WASPI’s chair, Angela Madden, remains determined: “Even if we win, the Government may resist paying what is fair. Our goal is to secure wider political support so MPs vote for justice, not party lines.”
Several Members of Parliament and political parties, including the Liberal Democrats and SNP, have publicly backed the call for compensation.
A DWP spokesperson, commenting on the judicial review, stated: “We accept the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologised for the 28-month delay in notifying women. However, we disagree with the Ombudsman’s conclusions on injustice and remedy, which is why compensation will not be paid.”
The WASPI campaign expressed gratitude to donors who have fueled their legal fight and urged continued support: “Your generosity has brought us this far. Please share our CrowdJustice link widely so we can keep pushing for justice for WASPI women. Thank you to everyone who has helped us take this crucial step toward victory.”