Waspi Campaigners Clear Hurdle in High Court Challenge Against Government
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group has announced that it has cleared a significant hurdle in its battle for a High Court challenge against the Government. According to reports, the campaigners have received an update stating that their case is arguable, setting them on course for a court hearing.
The Waspi group is seeking a judicial review to force the Government to reconsider its decision to rule out a compensation package for women affected by the way changes to the state pension age were communicated. The campaigners argue that the Government’s reasons for concluding that people should not receive any remedy are a breach of legal principles.
A previous report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PSHO) suggested that compensation ranging between £1,000 and £2,950 could be appropriate for each of those affected. However, in December 2024, the Government said that, while it accepted the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and apologised for there being a delay in writing to 1950s-born women, a blanket compensation scheme, which could cost taxpayers up to £10.5 billion, cannot be justified.
The Waspi campaigners submitted arguments back in February for a legal case challenging the decision not to compensate women. Lawyers for the campaigners are now preparing for a court hearing, which is expected to take place in the near future. The group is also seeking a costs capping order, which would prevent campaigners from being forced to pay unknown costs to cover the legal fees should they lose.
Waspi chairwoman Angela Madden described the green light in its legal challenge as a "landmark moment in our campaign". She said: "We are grateful for the funds raised so far and understand the country’s purse strings are tight, but the Government cannot be allowed to brush this injustice aside."
The Department for Work and Pensions has stated that it does not comment on live litigation. However, a spokesperson said: "We have apologised for there being a 28-month delay in writing to 1950s-born women. However, we do not agree with the Ombudsman’s approach to injustice or remedy and that is why we have decided not to pay compensation."
The Independent has reported that the Waspi group is calling on supporters to help raise further funds for the legal challenge. The group may be forced to withdraw its challenge without a costs capping order, which would prevent campaigners from being forced to pay unknown costs to cover the legal fees.
According to The Independent, the Waspi campaigners have been fighting for justice for women affected by the changes to the state pension age. The group argues that the Government’s failure to communicate the changes effectively has resulted in significant financial losses for many women.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PSHO) has previously criticised the Government for its handling of the situation. The ombudsman’s report stated that the Government’s failure to inform women of the changes to the state pension age was a "significant injustice".
The Waspi group’s legal challenge is seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga. The group’s determination to seek justice for women affected by the changes to the state pension age has been recognised by The Independent.
The High Court challenge is expected to be a significant test of the Government’s decision not to compensate women affected by the changes to the state pension age. The Independent will continue to provide updates on the case as it progresses.
In a statement, The Independent said: "The Waspi campaigners have been fighting for justice for women affected by the changes to the state pension age. The group’s determination to seek justice has been recognised, and The Independent will continue to provide updates on the case as it progresses."
This is a developing story, and The Independent will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Source: The Independent: https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/waspi-government-high-court-lawyers-parliamentary-and-health-service-ombudsman-b2765027.html
