Tue, 11 Nov 2025

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 Government to rethink rejection of Waspi compensation

Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden says that the rethink does not mean that payouts will necessarily follow.
The UK government has agreed to reconsider a decision to reject compensation for 3.6 million women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the state pension age. Campaigners had claimed that these women were not properly informed of the rise in pension age and have been pushing for financial redress. A survey from 2007, which was not shown to the then-Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall at the time, has come to light and will be taken into consideration as part of the government's review. However, it is unclear whether this will lead to any payouts, with current Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stating that there is "no guarantee" of financial redress. Campaigners have welcomed the decision, but remain cautious, pointing out that no timescale has been given for when a final decision will be made. Angela Madden, chair of Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi), said: "The government now knows it got it wrong and we are pleased they are now trying to do it properly." A parliamentary ombudsman had previously recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 for each affected woman, but this was rejected by the government. The Waspi campaign is continuing with a judicial review of the decision, which could still go ahead in December. The state pension age has been increasing over time to bring it in line with men's pension age, currently 66. However, the changes have been widely criticized for being poorly communicated and affecting women disproportionately.
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