Anne Potter’s statement about the government’s decision to not pay women seeking compensation for loss in pension income due to an opaque, unfair and unequal process. Many questions remain unanswered.
Extremely disappointed in the shock announcement on 29 January, with yet more unsubstantiated and inappropriate comments relating to 1950s born women being bandied about by the UK Government.
The government is still claiming that our cohort knew the state pension age was changing, and if a letter was received, we hadn’t read it or didn’t understand the content. What absolute rubbish and how insulting!
Since 2016, thousands of WASPIs (Women against state pension inequality) have submitted letters of complaint to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This was followed by an Independent Case Examiner and ultimately submitted to the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), backed up with evidence of individual and personal experiences. That speaks volumes, otherwise why would so many women take action to contact DWP?
Fact is, the state pension age increases were rolled out in a very complex manner. Even those who worked in the DWP didn’t understand how and when individuals were affected.
Quite simply, the DWP did not notify 3.6 million women of the state pension age increase, and this consequently came as a shock to all affected. No warning, no notice, no pension.
According to the government, no one was financially disadvantaged.
Well, I beg to differ. The average financial loss is estimated to be £48,000 if delayed six years, with over half of the 3.6 million women affected suffering this loss of income.
While I appreciate funds are limited, the PHSO was quite clear, stating, “finite resources should not be used as an excuse not to pay compensation.” But there again, it seems recommendations by ombudsmen are not binding. This inaction jeopardises the credibility and reputation of such an organisation when it comes to government choosing to ignore their findings and, more importantly, fabricating reasons for not awarding the compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950, as recommended by the PHSO.
What’s the point in having the PHSO?
I have over 1,500 members in my WASPI group, and I have never heard them so vocal.
Comments about Pat McFadden’s announcement have been those of disbelief, and his tone towards 1950s born women has been very misogynistic, sexist and ageist. Not what you expect from a parliamentary secretary!
Quite frankly I look forward to the Scottish parliamentary elections in May, as I’m convinced there will be consequences felt by the Labour Party. Our faith in politicians has been severely affected, and it will undoubtedly influence WASPIs and their families when they cast their vote on 7 May.
I understand further legal consultations are currently being discussed by WASPI Ltd and we await the outcome regarding the next move.
Our campaign is not over yet!
Bylines Scotland received this statement from WASPI UK:
Many women say they didn’t receive a letter. The Ombudsman concluded that women should have been informed at least 28 months earlier than we were.
The Ombudsman’s report can be found at the WASPI website.
Invitation to Holyrood
Anne, and members of WASPI, have received an invitation to Holyrood on Thursday 5 February to meet cross party MSPs after FMQs. They are also planning a demonstratio at 11.30am outside the Scottish Parliament. Bylines Scotland will report on any further developments.
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