Home > News > Renewed Plea for DWP Compensation as Final Report Nears for WASPI Women

Renewed Plea for DWP Compensation as Final Report Nears for WASPI Women

Labour MP Alistair Strathern has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to assess the potential compensation for women born in the 1950s impacted by changes to State Pension age legislation. The awaited final report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) on State Pension age changes is expected this year, raising expectations for a resolution to the longstanding issue.

Ongoing Investigation and Political Response

In response to Strathern’s inquiry, DWP Pensions Minister Paul Maynard MP emphasized that the Ombudsman is still finalizing the report and making recommendations. Maynard stated, “It would not be appropriate to comment on the investigation,” citing the confidentiality mandated by the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967.

Past Findings and Legal Challenges

In July 2021, the PHSO’s Stage 1 investigation found the DWP guilty of ‘maladministration’ for not adequately communicating age changes to affected women. However, a successful legal challenge by the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign led to a reevaluation of the Stage 2 report, initially labelled ‘unlawful.’ The forthcoming Stage 3 report will propose compensation levels for affected women, potentially impacting around 3.6 million born in the 1950s.

Wide-reaching Impact and Prolonged Process

The Ombudsman assured that recommendations would apply to everyone facing similar failings. The intricate investigation, initiated in 2018, involved reviewing 650 pieces of evidence. Legal challenges and the need for reevaluation contributed to delays, with the PHSO intending to publish the final report by the end of this year.

In a November 2023 update, the PHSO acknowledged the delays and shared provisional views on injustice resulting from maladministration during Stage 1. The ongoing dialogue with complainants, MPs, and the DWP aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding before final decisions regarding compensation and remedy are made.

HICH LTD has continually raised the quality standards in the UK property survey market. Our multi-award-winning property survey service has made us the leading reference in the property survey market.

We offer property survey services of the highest quality. Using state-of-the-art equipment, we provide excellent property surveys at affordable prices. Our prices are based on the number of rooms rather than the value of the properties, so you will always get the best value for money with our services.

Please look at our Trustpilot page and see why customers have chosen us as their favourite property survey provider!

At HICH LTD, we work to serve our clients and make the world a better place for everyone. We actively collaborate with NGOs to promote environmental, social, and charitable causes. If you want to know more about our efforts or how you can help, contact us at admin@hich-ltd.co.uk.

HICH LTD extends a warm invitation to contractors and service providers throughout the UK to join our network; by joining the Contractors and Service Providers Network, you will enjoy benefits such as a significant increase in customer flow, advertising on our high-traffic website, and direct contact with thousands of customers in your postcode area. Find more information here or by following the QR code in the video.