DWP gave WASPI campaigners officially update ahead of High Court legal battle: The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign is moving ahead with its judicial review against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), challenging the government’s refusal to provide compensation.
Despite a last-minute legal response from the DWP on March 10, WASPI leaders confirm that nothing has changed—both parties remain at a stalemate, and the judicial review is set to proceed.
Why Are WASPI Women Taking Legal Action?
- State pension age increases – The government raised the state pension age from 60 to 65, and later to 66, for 1950s-born women.
- Poor communication – Many affected women say they were not properly informed about these changes.
- Severe financial impact – Women were left unprepared for retirement, with some forced to work longer or face financial hardship.
- Ombudsman’s ruling – The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found “maladministration” in how the DWP communicated the changes.
- Compensation rejected – Despite the Ombudsman’s ruling, the government announced in December 2023 that it would not offer financial compensation.
DWP’s Last-Minute Response: What We Know
- The WASPI campaign sent a legal notice to the DWP demanding a response by March 10.
- The DWP responded at the last moment, but its contents remain undisclosed.
- WASPI Chair Angela Madden stated that the government’s position has not changed.
- The DWP refuses to comment on the legal matter, citing “live litigation.”
A government spokesperson reiterated:
- The DWP accepts the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and has apologised for the 28-month delay in notifying affected women.
- 90% of 1950s-born women reportedly knew about the pension age changes by 2006.
- The government argues that paying £10.5 billion in compensation is unjustifiable for taxpayers.
WASPI’s Legal Battle: What Happens Next?
Angela Madden confirmed:
- The campaign’s legal team is reviewing the DWP’s response.
- Unless the response significantly undermines their case (which is unlikely), WASPI will proceed with filing the judicial review claim.
- A high court judge will review the case before granting permission for a full hearing.
- If approved, a two-day judicial review hearing will be scheduled, but this could take several months.
Madden reaffirmed WASPI’s stance:
“We still firmly believe that the Secretary of State is wrong to deny that the WASPI women suffered injustice as a result of the belatedly admitted DWP maladministration. We remain determined to challenge it.”
Public Support & Fundraising Success
The WASPI campaign has received strong financial backing, with donations pouring in:
- Over £146,000 raised for legal costs.
- The initial £75,000 goal was surpassed in one day.
- The new target is £180,000 to cover legal expenses.
Angela Madden expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support, calling it “a powerful statement” of solidarity.
What’s Next for WASPI Women?
- Legal review of the DWP response – WASPI’s lawyers are analyzing the government’s reply.
- Filing the judicial review claim – If no significant issues arise, WASPI will formally submit the case to the High Court.
- Initial hearing – A judge will decide if the case has legal grounds to proceed.
- Two-day judicial review – If approved, a court hearing will be scheduled, likely taking place several months later.
Despite the DWP’s last-minute response, the WASPI campaign remains committed to fighting for justice for 1950s-born women impacted by state pension age changes.
With strong public support, legal backing, and fundraising efforts, WASPI is determined to challenge the government’s decision and push for financial redress.
FAQ’s
Why is WASPI taking legal action against the UK government?
WASPI is challenging the government’s refusal to compensate 1950s-born women for poor communication about state pension age increases.
What did the Ombudsman say about the WASPI case?
The Ombudsman found ‘maladministration’ in how the DWP communicated pension age changes and suggested compensation between £1,000 and £2,950.
What was in the DWP’s March 10 response?
The contents of the DWP’s response to WASPI remain undisclosed, but campaign leaders say the government’s position has not changed.
What happens next in the WASPI legal battle?
WASPI will review the DWP’s response and, unless their case is weakened, will file a judicial review claim for a High Court ruling.
How much money has WASPI raised for legal costs?
WASPI has raised over £146,000 for legal fees, surpassing the initial £75,000 goal in one day, with a new target of £180,000.
