Millions of women born in the 1950s will have their hopes dashed once again as the government has ruled out providing state pension compensation to those affected, campaigners have announced.
The decision, made by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, comes just weeks after the group had been given a glimmer of hope that they might receive payouts. However, he stated that any compensation scheme would be too costly, at up to £10.3 billion, and argued that it would not be practical to set up a targeted scheme for those who suffered injustice.
The decision has left campaigners "shamefully denied" justice, according to Angela Madden, chair of the Waspi campaign. The group claims that millions of women born in the 1950s had their retirement plans plunged into chaos when the state pension age was increased from 60 to 65 and then to 66.
The number of individuals affected by the changes could be as high as 3.6 million, with many left thousands of pounds out of pocket. Campaigners say that this group was misled by the government's initial decision, which they claim was made without adequate consideration for those who would be most affected.
The latest ruling is a blow to the Waspi campaign, which has been fighting for years to secure compensation for these women. Madden warned that "ministers have demonstrated their utter contempt" for the affected women and for parliament and the parliamentary ombudsman. She added that the government's decision was a "disgraceful political choice" that shows they value politics over people.
The high court hearing originally planned for December last year was called off to allow the original decision to be reviewed, but campaigners say they will now consider bringing a new legal case based on the latest decision. The battle for justice continues as these women fight to secure the compensation they feel is rightfully theirs.
The decision, made by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, comes just weeks after the group had been given a glimmer of hope that they might receive payouts. However, he stated that any compensation scheme would be too costly, at up to £10.3 billion, and argued that it would not be practical to set up a targeted scheme for those who suffered injustice.
The decision has left campaigners "shamefully denied" justice, according to Angela Madden, chair of the Waspi campaign. The group claims that millions of women born in the 1950s had their retirement plans plunged into chaos when the state pension age was increased from 60 to 65 and then to 66.
The number of individuals affected by the changes could be as high as 3.6 million, with many left thousands of pounds out of pocket. Campaigners say that this group was misled by the government's initial decision, which they claim was made without adequate consideration for those who would be most affected.
The latest ruling is a blow to the Waspi campaign, which has been fighting for years to secure compensation for these women. Madden warned that "ministers have demonstrated their utter contempt" for the affected women and for parliament and the parliamentary ombudsman. She added that the government's decision was a "disgraceful political choice" that shows they value politics over people.
The high court hearing originally planned for December last year was called off to allow the original decision to be reviewed, but campaigners say they will now consider bringing a new legal case based on the latest decision. The battle for justice continues as these women fight to secure the compensation they feel is rightfully theirs.
This recent development has left me utterly underwhelmed by the government's stance on providing state pension compensation to the 1950s-born women affected by the changes. It's astonishing that despite being given a glimmer of hope just weeks prior, the Work and Pensions Secretary has opted for an option that prioritizes bureaucratic efficiency over compassion. 
The costs cited are staggering, but I fail to see how £10.3 billion is an insurmountable figure, considering the potential benefits of securing justice for this group. 
It's puzzling to think that some women have been left with thousands of pounds out of pocket due to circumstances beyond their control. 
The Waspi campaign's assertion that the government has demonstrated "utter contempt" for these women and parliament is a stark reminder that there are still those who value politics over people. 
I can only imagine the frustration and disappointment this latest decision will bring, not just to the affected individuals but also to the campaigners who have tirelessly fought for years to secure compensation. 
The battle for justice may indeed continue, and it's high time for some accountability and a reevaluation of the government's stance on this matter. 
... I can imagine how many years of hope and fighting were crushed by that one decision 
. It's like the government just forgot about all those women who were left with nothing when their retirement plans got ruined 
. And to be told that it was too costly? That's just not fair, you know? 
The £10.3 billion number is mind-boggling, and I can see why the campaigners are so upset... It feels like they're being ignored and dismissed, like their struggles aren't even being heard 
. Poor women, fighting for what's rightfully theirs, and it just feels like they're getting nowhere 
. Sending all my love and support to the Waspi campaign 
- you guys are doing an amazing job, and I'm rooting for you 
So many women are gonna get screwed over again because of that government decision! They're basically saying sorry not sorry 
.
. The fact that the government is more concerned about not wanting to spend £10.3 billion than actually doing what's right for these women is just disgusting 
. These women deserve so much better than to be left out in the cold 
. The justice system needs to step in here and make sure these women get the compensation they're owed 
.
. its like the government just doesnt care about these women who were affected by the state pension age changes. i mean, £10.3 billion is a lot of money but its not like its going to make a huge difference to their lives now 
. i feel for the waspi campaign and all they're trying to do its not just about the money its about fairness and justice 
Another one to disappoint women who've already been dealt a raw hand in life. £10.3 billion just doesn't sit right, but I guess that's what happens when you're dealing with old politics and outdated rules... 
. These women have already lost their retirement plans, their security, and their trust in the system 
. These women were led to believe they'd get some kind of compensation, and then just... poof, gone! The £10.3 billion is a pretty big number, but I mean, think about all the people who are gonna have to live on, like, a few thousand pounds a week or whatever 
this is so unfair, millions of women are being denied their rightful pension and it's like the government just shrugs its shoulders 
I mean what's the point of even having a parliament if we can't get some justice for these women? Interesting 
how can you justify denying 3.6 million people the compensation they're owed, that's just crazy 