Major WASPI Update: Campaign Poised for High Court Showdown with Government
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign is on course for a High Court showdown with the Government over the decision not to pay compensation to millions of women, according to a report from the Mirror. The group is seeking a judicial review after ministers rejected giving payouts of up to £2,950 to over three million women, despite a Parliamentary watchdog calling on ministers to urgently set up a compensation scheme last year.
The WASPI campaign, as reported by the Mirror, is seeking a judicial review of the Government’s decision, which was made despite a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PSHO) suggesting compensation ranging between £1,000 and £2,950 could be appropriate for each of those affected. This could cost taxpayers up to £10.5 billion, a sum that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated is not justified. The Mirror reports that the campaigners have been told their case is arguable, setting them on course for a court hearing.
Angela Madden, who chairs the WASPI campaign, was quoted by the Mirror as saying: “This is a landmark moment in our campaign that shows the DWP what we all already know – that the Government’s decision was formed on baseless claims that will fail to stand up under scrutiny.” The Mirror reports that judges told WASPI leaders their claim “ought to be considered at a final hearing”, setting the stage for a potential High Court showdown.
The Government has accepted there was maladministration and apologised, but has refused to implement a blanket compensation scheme, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stating that paying billions in compensation could not be justified. The Mirror reports that the Government’s reasons for concluding that people should not receive any remedy are a breach of legal principles, according to lawyers for the campaigners.
The Mirror reports that the WASPI campaign is pushing for a High Court showdown, with Mrs Madden accusing the DWP of trying to avoid “humiliation” by refusing a Cost Capping Order – which could force campaigners to pay an unlimited settlement if they lose. A hearing to consider an application for such an order will also take place, WASPI said. Without this safeguard, it said, it may be forced to withdraw its case.
The Mirror reports that the Prime Minister was told in March that he set a “dangerous precedent” by ignoring the watchdog’s recommendation, with the leaders of several unions writing to express their concerns. They stated: “By disregarding its report, the Government has established a dangerous precedent that suggests official checks and balances on ministers can be ignored, eroding public trust in our democratic institutions.” The Mirror reports that the WASPI campaign is seeking a judicial review of the Government’s decision, with a potential High Court showdown looming.
As reported by the Mirror, the State Pension age for women gradually increased from 60 to 65 between April 2010 and November 2018. It went up again to 66 in October 2020, and is due to go up to 67 by 2028. The WASPI campaign is seeking compensation for women who were not properly informed of the changes, which could have affected their retirement plans.
In a statement to the Mirror, a No10 spokesman said: “Our position has not changed.” However, the WASPI campaign remains committed to pursuing a High Court showdown, with Mrs Madden stating: “This is a government department which is in complete denial of its mistakes. However, the ombudsman already says they have got things wrong, and now the courts could be about to make a similar decision.”
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