Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 Ministers reject Waspi calls for compensation after rethink

Women hit by changes to the state pension age say the decision shows "utter contempt" for their situation.

* 3.6 million women born in the 1950s were affected by changes to their state pension age, which was brought into line with men's without proper notification.
* The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group is seeking compensation for these women, but the government has again rejected their claim.
* Campaigners say the government could pay compensation if it wanted to, but is choosing not to.
* A parliamentary ombudsman recommended £1,000-£2,950 compensation per affected woman in 2024, but this was rejected by the government.
* The government says a flat-rate compensation scheme would cost up to £10.3bn and is not fair or practical.
* Critics say the government's handling of the situation is a "fiasco" and that affected women will feel "utterly betrayed".
* Some politicians have accused the government of "cynical politics" and say an apology without compensation is not enough.
* The government has confirmed that low-income households will continue to receive discounts on essential bills for the rest of the decade.
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