WASPI campaigners are calling for compensation (Image: Getty)
WASPI campaigners (Women Against State Pension Inequality) are hoping for a update in the coming days after a cross-party group of MPs demanded a response from the Government.
More than 10 days has passed since a letter was sent to the Labour Government by leaders from several political parties demanding that ministers “update Parliament on your progress in responding to the PHSO’s report” by the Christmas Parliamentary recess, which is this Thursday (December 19).
A landmark report from the PHSO (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman) came out in March, recommending the WASPI generation of women should get payouts.
The 1950s-born generation of women were affected when the age for women increased from 60 to 65 and then 66, as the women were not properly informed by the of the change.
The recent letter, signed by leaders from the , the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and others, urged for an update before Parliament by Christmas recess, which is this Thursday, December 19.
The has been contacted for an update on the issue. One growing support base for the WASPI campaign is a petition to Parliament urging the Government to “fairly compensate” the women.
The petition has just reached 135,000 signatures at the time of writing, and the has issued a response to this.
Responding on December 9, the said it is still “reviewing” the Ombudsman’s report and it will subsequently “outline its approach”.
The PHSO report suggested payouts of between £1,000 and £2,950, although some campaigners are hoping for payouts of £10,000 or more, in line with the top tier for compensation that the PHSO can suggest.
The also said in its response to the petition that it was “listening respectfully” to the women affected, including a recent meeting with the WASPI campaigners.
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WASPI campaign chair Angela Madden said: “Respect is not shown just by ‘listening’ to WASPI women as ministers have indicated.
“It is shown by acting swiftly on the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s clear instructions to compensate those affected.”
The petition surged to 100,000 signatures in a matter of days, with Ms Madden saying this was evidence of “the overwhelming support across the country for fair compensation”.
Ms Madden urged: “Only the Government has the power to deliver it. With one WASPI woman dying every 13 minutes, ministers would be wise to bring their compensation proposals to Parliament without any further delay.”
The age is currently 66 for both men and women, but this will be going up in stages from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. It will increase again from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.