What are Waspi women and what is the dispute over their state pension?

In December 2024, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said that Waspi women would not receive compensation.

He acknowledged that there had been “mismanagement” in communications, with a 28-month delay in sending the letters to the women, and apologized for this.

But he said research shows there is “considerable awareness” among women about the changes to the state pension age, and there is no evidence of “direct financial loss”.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the decision, telling reporters that “Given that most people knew about these changes, I did not think it was the best use of taxpayers’ money to pay an expensive compensation bill.” will use”.

Both Kendall and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have previously supported the Waspi campaign, but the party did not commit to providing compensation in its manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election.

The Waspi campaign described the announcement as an “insult”.

“The government has today made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of an independent watchdog,” said Angela Madden, chair of the group.

Speaking on Times Radio, the current head of the PHSO, Rebecca Hilsenrath, also criticized the government’s decision: “What we don’t expect is for a public body to make an admission that it has done wrong, but then to Refused to make right for those affected.”