The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has addressed questions regarding creating a compensation scheme for women affected by the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) issue in Northern Ireland. WASPI campaigners were dealt a blow in their longstanding fight last month when the Government dismissed the idea of compensation payouts.
These 1950s-born women were affected when the state pension age was raised from 60 to 65, and subsequently to 66. Campaigners claim they were inadequately informed about the changes, leaving many unaware of the extended wait for their pensions.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found 'maladministration' in the way the DWP communicated these changes, recommending compensations ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 in a report last March. However, Labour's work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, told Parliament in December that no compensation scheme would be introduced, stating it would be an imprudent use of taxpayer money.
Following this outcome, SDLP MP Colum Eastwood questioned the Government on the possibility of a compensation scheme specifically for Northern Ireland. He inquired of Ms Kendall whether "her department has made an estimate of the annual cost of implementing a compensation scheme for affected women in Northern Ireland".
Pensions minister Emma Reynolds responded, stating: "The state pension is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland. These matters are the responsibility of the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland." The Department for Communities is being approached for comment.
MPs are poised to discuss the issue of compensation with a debate scheduled in Westminster Hall for Wednesday, January 15. Many individual MPs have backed payouts, a stance that parties such as the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and the Green Party have adopted.
Labour's decision not to compensate has stirred up opposition from MPs, with two early day motions set up insisting on a reversal of this stance. WASPI campaigners are due to attend the Westminster Hall debate and they will also speak at an evidence session before the Work and Pensions Committee on January 22.
Chair of the WASPI campaign, Angela Madden, said of the upcoming committee meeting: "That will be an opportunity for us to talk to the committee about what are our options now, what we would like to happen now. The select committee is part of the Government process.
"They are the people who hold the Department of Work and Pensions to account. A letter from them or a request from them has to be taken seriously by the department."
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