A decision on new State Pension compensation for millions of WASPI women is “expected in the coming weeks”, says Labour MP.
Thousands of women have campaigned for compensation since the Government raised the State Pension age for women from 60 to 65 in 2018.
The issue relates to the roughly 3.8 million women born between April 6, 1950 and April 5, 1960.
Angela Madden, chair of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, said: “More than 260,000 WASPI women have died since the campaign began and this tragic statistic reconfirms the urgent need for justice for all those affected, following the repeated failures by the DWP and successive administrations of all colours.
“The Government has shown it can act to end long-running injustices within a matter of weeks as seen with the Post Office scandal. WASPI women must finally be awarded the same dignity with swift action.”
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman received formal complaints by more than 500 women who were born in the 1950s but said that after the final report and decision has been made then any recommendations and financial remedy will be applicable to all people affected as opposed to solely the people that complained to the ombudsman.
In a debate on Tuesday, Labour MP Beth Winter clarified that the report from the PHSO, which will recommend the level of compensation for the women affected, is expected to be unveiled soon.
Last month SNP MP Alan Brown recommended a minimum of level five from the PHSO remedy scale which would provide between £3,000 and £9,950 but said that level 6, which offers over £10,000, is the most appropriate decision.
In the debate on Tuesday Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions Paul Maynard, said: “I have the greatest sympathy for anyone who has found themselves in difficult circumstances, but I believe that the welfare state can be and is effective in providing support for those who need it.
“In particular, there is a range of established support that this Government provides for people either nearing or over state pension age. Additionally, we have made cost of living payments available to those who are most vulnerable.
“As I have outlined, the Government takes the matter of state pension age extremely seriously. The Department is committed to giving the best service it can and we will very carefully consider the ombudsman’s final report.”
Mr Maynard also disagreed with Ms Winter and said that the PHSO’s investigation is “not complete” and the date of publication is “a matter for the Ombudsman”.
