SNP launch bill for women impacted by state pension age increase (WASPI)
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The SNP’s Alan Brown MP will present a Bill today that, if passed, would force the UK government to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for women born in the 1950s impacted by increases in the state pension age.
Over 250,000 women affected by state pension age changes have died whilst waiting for compensation from the UK government after they were left unable to financially plan for the changes due to the short notice given.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman determined as far back as July 2021 that the Department of Work and Pensions was guilty of maladministration with respect to state pension age increases.
Commenting, Alan Brown MP said: “It is a disgrace that there is still no resolution for the 3.8 million women born in the 1950s who were given the bombshell that their state pension age was to increase without adequate notice.
"For nine years this Tory government has ignored the plight of these women.
“These women, who were left unable to do any financial planning, with many already in ill health and unable to work or having taken early retirement expecting to get by until the age of 60, deserve compensation.
"It is now more urgent than ever against the backdrop of Westminsters cost of living crisis.
“That is why I am using my Ten Minute Rule Bill to try to force the Westminster government to take action and the first steps towards setting up compensation for the millions of women who have been wronged.
“I am grateful for the cross-party support for my Bill and hope that this puts pressure on the UK government to do the right thing and ensure the millions of women are compensated for the injustice they have faced.
“My SNP colleagues and I have consistently kept the pressure up on the UK government do act on this scandal, showing why it is important to have a strong team of SNP MPs at Westminster, standing up for Scotland and the people that live there.”
State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill - To make provision for the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for women born between 6th April 1950 and 5th April 1960 inclusive who have been affected by increases in the state pension age; and for connected purposes.
