A recent report has sparked widespread demand for action, as more than 15,000 state pensioners are calling for a Commons vote to address the issue of compensation for those affected by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign. The report, issued by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, has highlighted the necessity for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide compensation, with suggested payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.
The WASPI campaigners have escalated their efforts by reaching out to Commons leader, Penny Mordaunt, urging an urgent debate and vote on the matter. In a letter signed by 15,000 women, the group is seeking compensation of at least £10,000 each, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Angela Madden, the chair of WASPI, has emphasized the crucial role of Parliament in determining the compensation package following the Ombudsman’s ruling. She has called for the government to take swift action by facilitating necessary debates and votes in the Commons, rather than evading the issue. Madden highlighted the pressing need for clarity from DWP ministers about the next steps, asserting that the concerns of WASPI women cannot be disregarded.
In response to the Ombudsman’s report, a DWP spokesperson has conveyed that the government will thoroughly consider and respond to the report in due course, reiterating the commitment to supporting pensioners while ensuring a sustainable and fair system. The spokesperson has emphasized the significance of the state pension in providing a foundation for retirement income for 12 million pensioners, particularly with the upcoming 8.5 percent rise in April, which will bolster state pensions by £900.
Conservative MP Peter Aldous, who co-chairs the State Pension Inequality for Women All-Party Parliamentary Group, has echoed the sentiment of urgency, emphasizing the contributions made by millions of women over the years. He has stressed the need for swift and fair compensation, rallying support for the ongoing campaign to address the injustices faced by women affected by state pension inequality. The call for justice remains resolute until a satisfactory conclusion is reached in Parliament.
The demand for compensation for WASPI women has gained traction, compelling authorities to consider the urgency and magnitude of the issue. With the voices of 15,000 pensioners resonating, the call for a Commons vote has become louder, underscoring the need for prompt and fair resolution. As the campaign continues to gather momentum, the prospect of meaningful action to address the injustices faced by affected women remains a steadfast pursuit.