THE Parliamentary spokesman for the Lib Dems in Romsey has demanded justice for WASPI women following a new report.
The report, published on Thursday, March 21 by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, covers women’s state pension age and associated issues.
The problem affects women born on or after April 6, 1950, who were affected by an increase in state retirement age from 60 to 65, and later to 66.
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Often referred to as WASPI women, they have fought for compensation, as many did not have adequate notice to replan their retirement.
The Ombudsman’s report found three issues. They related to communicating the state pension age changes and changes to National Insurance qualifying years. They also found that failings in DWP’s (Department of Work and Pensions) complaint handling caused unnecessary, stress, anxiety and confusion.
Affected women could receive compensation of up to £2950. However, the DWP has indicated to the Ombudsman that they will not take steps to put things right.
The Ombudsman has decided to present the report to Parliament so that Parliament can intervene and identify a remedy.
Geoff Cooper, Parliamentary Spokesperson for Romsey and Southampton North has slammed the DWP for the real financial problems that many women are now facing.
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He said: “The Waspi women have already waited far too long for this issue to be resolved, only to now find that another obstacle has been put in the way.
“It is unprecedented for a government department to not immediately act on the findings of an Ombudsman. Also, women I have spoken to are not convinced that Parliament will do the right thing and many have a shortfall of more than £3000.
“This is estimated to affect over 3 million women, but it is believed that over 270,000 have died whilst seeking justice.
“We have all long lost faith in the current government but on this, at least, they could and should do the decent thing.”
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