The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign has made a significant breakthrough in their legal fight against the Government’s handling of changes to the state pension age that affected millions of women born in the 1950s.
In a pivotal move, Waspi has secured a vital legal safeguard, placing a cap on their potential liability for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) defence costs.
This development marks a crucial step towards holding the government accountable for the financial hardships caused by the pension age changes.
What is the Waspi Campaign?
The Waspi campaign is focused on addressing the injustice faced by women born in the 1950s, who were subjected to abrupt increases in their state pension age.
The group’s primary argument is that the government’s failure to adequately inform these women about the changes has caused significant financial harm, leaving many in a state of hardship.
Legal Challenge and Key Legal Protection
On Monday, Waspi confirmed that a legal cap had been placed on their liability for the DWP’s defence costs.
This means that if Waspi loses the case, they will not be required to pay more than £60,000 in legal fees, offering a significant safeguard against financial ruin.
The decision has given Waspi the confidence to continue with their legal challenge, which is set to take place in the High Court.
Costs Capping Order
The DWP has agreed to a costs capping order, which limits how much either side would need to pay if they lose.
While the capped liability provides some protection, Waspi’s legal team has been working tirelessly to raise funds for the ongoing battle.
The group has set up a “fighting fund” to cover both the capped liability and the cost of their legal team, with fundraising efforts still in full swing.
Angela Madden, Chairwoman of Waspi, stated, “Without this safeguard, we faced a real risk of financial ruin – of effectively being silenced by the threat of Government legal bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
This safeguard provides them with the certainty they need to push forward with their challenge, but the costs of the case are still very much a reality.
Government Response
The legal challenge follows a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which recommended that compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 be given to each affected woman.
However, the government formally rejected the idea of a blanket compensation scheme in December 2024, citing the potential cost to taxpayers, which could reach up to £10.5 billion.
While the government acknowledged the maladministration and apologised for the 28-month delay in informing the 1950s-born women about the pension changes, they argue that large-scale compensation payments are unjustified.
The DWP spokesperson stated, “We do not comment on live litigation,” but reaffirmed the government’s stance on not paying compensation.
What Does This Legal Challenge Mean for Affected Women?
The ongoing legal battle holds significant implications for the women affected by the state pension age changes.
If successful, it could lead to compensation for thousands of women who have suffered as a result of the government’s mishandling of the pension age changes.
It also sets a precedent for other cases where governmental maladministration has led to widespread harm.
For now, Waspi’s legal team is focused on securing a fair hearing, with the case expected to move forward soon.
The legal safeguard ensures that Waspi is not financially incapacitated by the government’s legal costs, allowing them to press on with their fight.
Key Points from the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) |
| Targeted Group | Women born in the 1950s affected by pension age changes |
| Legal Outcome | Waspi secured a costs capping order |
| Capped Liability | £60,000 |
| Legal Team’s Fundraising | Ongoing to cover legal costs |
| Government’s Stance | Refusal to pay compensation despite recognising maladministration |
| Possible Compensation | £1,000 to £2,950 per woman, as suggested by PHSO |
The Waspi campaign has secured a critical victory in its ongoing battle for justice for women born in the 1950s.
The costs capping order provides a vital safeguard for the group, allowing them to continue their legal challenge against the DWP. As the case moves forward, the potential for compensation remains uncertain, but Waspi’s determination to secure redress for the affected women is unwavering.
FAQs
What is the Waspi campaign fighting for?
The Waspi campaign seeks to secure compensation for women born in the 1950s who were not properly informed about the increase in state pension age, leading to financial difficulties.
What does the costs capping order mean for Waspi?
The costs capping order limits Waspi’s liability for legal expenses to £60,000, ensuring they are not financially burdened if they lose the case.
Why did the government reject compensation?
The government argued that compensation for the affected women could cost taxpayers up to £10.5 billion and that large-scale payouts were unjustified despite acknowledging maladministration.