The head of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, Angela Madden, has emphasized the unwavering support within the group and their readiness to pursue legal action in the upcoming year. Madden, aged 71, asserted the determination of over 3.5 million women born in the 1950s to seek fair compensation. The government’s reconsideration of the decision to deny payouts following new revelations has fueled their persistence.
WASPI had been prepared for a legal confrontation in early December to demand a judicial review, but the proceedings have been paused pending the latest review outcome. Madden expressed the members’ ongoing resentment over the denial of payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 a year ago, estimating that an affected woman loses her life every 13 minutes.
After committing to cover legal costs amounting to £180,000 in a last-minute agreement, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to disclose its verdict in February. Madden voiced suspicions that the government has already made a conclusive decision and is reluctant to reconsider.
Failures within the DWP resulted in inadequate communication regarding the increase in the state pension age for women, leading to severe financial strains for many. Despite these challenges, Madden highlighted the growing backing for the campaign, with increasing Facebook followers and rising membership interest.
In 2024, the government acknowledged a significant delay in notifying affected women about the pension age adjustment but declined to provide financial compensations. This decision was made despite recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) to establish a compensation scheme promptly.
Madden criticized the government for neglecting the plight of the vulnerable demographic affected by the pension age alterations, stressing that the treatment faced by the women was unjust. The campaign advocates for fair treatment and compensation, citing personal experiences of members who suffered various setbacks due to the pension age changes.
Recent developments have indicated a potential review of the decision not to grant compensations, following the discovery of a previously undisclosed document from 2007. However, the government remains cautious about committing to financial redress automatically.
WASPI anticipates an official announcement from the DWP regarding the decision by February 24. Public opinion reflects strong support for compensating women affected by the pension age modifications, with a significant majority believing in fair restitution. The campaign also noted a discrepancy in the actions of political figures, including Keir Starmer, who previously pledged support for swift compensation but have not fulfilled these promises.