By admin 
A UK campaign group has warned the government of potential legal action over its refusal to compensate millions of women affected by state pension age changes.
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group is demanding compensation for 3.6 million women born in the 1950s who were not properly informed about the increase in the state pension age, introduced in the 1990s.
While the UK government has acknowledged delays in communicating these changes, it has ruled out a £10.5 billion compensation scheme, arguing it cannot justify the cost to taxpayers.
WASPI Chair Angela Madden described this decision as both “outrageous and legally wrong.”
The group has sent a formal “letter before action” to the government, giving officials an opportunity to respond before launching a judicial review in the High Court in two weeks.
Calls for Compensation
Last year, the parliamentary ombudsman recommended compensation of up to £2,950 per affected woman due to a 28-month delay in notifying them about the pension changes.
Campaigners argue this lack of communication caused financial hardship, forcing many women to alter their retirement plans.
Despite this, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall apologized for the delay but maintained that most women were already aware of the pension age increase. She argued that earlier notifications would not have significantly changed their ability to plan for retirement.
If WASPI’s legal challenge proceeds, the court may examine whether the government’s claim—that there was no direct financial loss—holds up.
Madden accused the government of admitting its failures but refusing to acknowledge the injustice caused, stating, “The government accepts 1950s-born women were victims of maladministration, yet claims none of us suffered as a result.”
She added, “If they continue to defend the indefensible, this time it will be in front of a judge.”
Funding the Legal Battle
WASPI has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £75,000 in legal fees. If successful, their case could force the UK government to pay out billions in compensation.
However, with public finances under pressure due to weak economic growth and high borrowing costs, opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has argued that taxpayers cannot afford the financial burden of compensation.
Background on Pension Changes
The pension age equalization plan was first introduced in 1995 under the Conservative government, aiming to ensure both men and women would retire at 65 by 2020.
However, following the 2008 financial crisis, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition accelerated the timeline to reduce pension costs.
Many countries have made similar changes in recent years, but the UK government’s failure to communicate its policy in a timely manner could now be scrutinized in court.
A government spokesperson stated that while they accept the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologized for the delayed notifications, evidence suggests many women were already aware of the changes.
They added, “By 2006, 90% of 1950s-born women knew about the pension age increase, and earlier letters wouldn’t have made a difference.”
Gill Bikram Singh