Thousands of women affected by the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) issue are entitled to DWP compensation, an ombudsman has ruled.
A final report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has concluded the DWP failed to adequately inform those affected when the state pension age for women was increased from 60 to 65, to equalise it with men.
PHSO chief executive, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said: “The UK’s national ombudsman has made a finding of failings by DWP in this case and has ruled that the women affected are owed compensation.
“DWP has clearly indicated that it will refuse to comply. This is unacceptable. The department must do the right thing and it must be held to account for failure to do so.
“Complainants should not have to wait and see whether DWP will take action to rectify its failings. Given the significant concerns we have that it will fail to act on our findings and given the need to make things right for the affected women as soon as possible, we have proactively asked Parliament to intervene and hold the Department to account.
“Parliament now needs to act swiftly, and make sure a compensation scheme is established. We think this will provide women with the quickest route to remedy.”
More to follow…
