WASPI – their disputes
In the nine years the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has run, disputes have taken place around the fair treatment of women born in the 1950s. This has been a product of the increase of their State Pension age.
Up until 5 April 2010, the State Pension age for women was 60 and 65 for men. Since then, we’ve seen this age creep up at the rate of six months per year. By April 2016 the age was at 63, before accelerating to 65 by December 2018. A further increase was then phased in to equalise State Pension age at 66 for both men and women by November 2020.
With these goal posts constantly shifting, and changes not being communicated to savers, many women born in the 1950s believe that this has caused a shortfall in their pensions.
Lack of communication
WASPI’s main problem throughout this time has been the lack of communication surrounding the State Pension age changes. Some believe that this has resulted in insufficient time for savers to change their retirement plans.
However, a judicial review revealed that the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) had no contractual obligation to inform the public of said State Pension age changes.
Compensation for savers
With legal options effectively closed, WASPI switched its focus to an investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). The PHSO had published an initial report in 2021. After some legal delays, the PHSO’s anticipated final report was published in March 2024. The report concluded compensation be paid to those affected with figures coming in between £1,000 and £2,950.
This predicts the DWP owe a hefty sum of £10.5 billion. With this being said, the PHSO commented that they “will not remedy the injustice.” The DWP has responded that it is only considering the PHSO’s findings.
In the know
The rise to State Pension age 67 will run from April 2026 to April 2028, and those born after 1977 are impacted by the State Pension age rise to 68. If there is one lesson learnt from this enduring narrative, it is to know your State Pension age. After all, the DWP aren’t compelled to inform you. Regular check ins with your financial planner can help you stay up to date with the latest changes and keep you on track with your retirement plan.
If you would like to speak to our team of financial planners about your pension plans, please do get in touch.
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