Kim
As political pressure intensifies, WASPI women could soon receive a long-awaited £2,950 compensation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This comes as campaigners urge the Labour government to complete a “hat-trick of u-turns”—following recent reversals on the Winter Fuel Payment and PIP reforms.
The demand for compensation has gained momentum since the publication of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report, which found that 1950s-born women were unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension Age.
Here’s a full breakdown of the latest developments, potential payouts, and the political tension surrounding this highly contentious issue.
What Is the WASPI Campaign?
WASPI stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality. The group represents millions of women born in the 1950s who claim they were not adequately informed about state pension age increases, leaving them with little time to prepare financially.
These women have been campaigning for compensation since changes under the 1995 and 2011 Pensions Acts gradually raised the state pension age from 60 to 66 for women, aligning it with men.
Why £2,950 in Compensation?
In 2023, the PHSO concluded its investigation into how the DWP handled communication around the state pension age changes. The report found instances of maladministration and recommended a Level 4 compensation payout, estimated at £2,950 per affected woman.
Although the Ombudsman cannot enforce its findings, its recommendation has fueled fresh demands for justice. WASPI campaigners argue that Labour’s reversal on PIP and winter fuel payment proves that another DWP U-turn is both possible and necessary.
Recent Political U-Turns and Rebellion
Labour has already made two significant U-turns:
- Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Reversed
- Revisions to Controversial PIP Reform Bill
Now, pressure mounts for a third U-turn—this time on WASPI compensation.
WASPI Chair Angela Madden stated:
“Compensation to WASPI women should now make for a hat-trick of U-turns. Ministers should stop wasting taxpayers’ money fighting us in court and agree to honour that recommendation.”
Further adding fuel to the fire, Cat Eccles, Labour MP for Stourbridge, revealed that 50 to 60 Labour MPs may rebel over the current DWP reforms, indicating significant dissent within the party.
She criticized the government’s delayed response:
“It’s too little, too late… We’re not going to be able to see the detail in advance. It’s not good enough for me.”
Eccles also voiced concern over PIP’s revised scoring system, suggesting it could create a two-tier benefit system, further undermining trust.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible | Women born between 1950–1960 |
| Cause of compensation | Inadequate DWP communication on State Pension Age increases |
| Recommended payout | £2,950 per person (Level 4 compensation) |
| Authority recommending payout | Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) |
| Government action (as of now) | No official approval, under pressure for a U-turn |
| Potential affected population | Approx. 3.8 million women |
Why Labour Is Under Fire
With two major U-turns already on record, Labour is now being tested on whether it will act decisively to address historic pension injustices.
- MPs like Cat Eccles are demanding transparency and collaborative policymaking
- Many Labour backbenchers are wary of how these policies are being pushed without adequate scrutiny
- Campaigners argue that compensating WASPI women would not only be fair but also politically strategic, solidifying support among older female voters
As of now, the government has not committed to implementing the Ombudsman’s recommendation but has signaled it may review the report’s findings more closely under growing pressure.
The call for £2,950 compensation to WASPI women is rapidly becoming a pivotal issue for the Labour government. With mounting pressure from backbenchers and the wider public, a DWP U-turn may be inevitable.
Should Labour act, it would mark a historic acknowledgment of the suffering caused by years of pension policy miscommunication—and restore a measure of trust with a generation that feels long neglected.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £2,950 WASPI compensation?
Women born between 1950 and 1960 who were affected by the lack of notice about changes to their State Pension Age are the focus of the compensation campaign.
Is the £2,950 payout guaranteed?
No. The payout is recommended by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, but the government has yet to approve it. Campaigners are urging Labour to implement it officially.
When could WASPI women receive the payout?
There is no confirmed date yet. The matter is still under political discussion, and any payouts would likely require formal DWP policy change or legislation.