Quick Read
- The UK government will review its decision on compensating Waspi women after new evidence emerged from 2007 DWP documents.
- Around 3.6 million women born in the 1950s were affected by the state pension age change, with many claiming they were not properly informed.
- The proposed compensation could cost the government up to £10.5 billion.
- The government has withdrawn from a judicial review and will reconsider the evidence.
Government Faces Renewed Pressure Over Waspi Women Compensation
On November 12, 2025, the UK government signaled a significant shift in its handling of the long-standing dispute over compensation for the so-called Waspi women—those born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the state pension age. Pat McFadden, the Work and Pensions Secretary, told Parliament that new evidence had emerged during legal proceedings which challenged the previous decision not to offer financial redress.
The issue, which has simmered for over a decade, revolves around the government’s move to raise the state pension age for women, bringing it in line with men. Initially set out in the 1995 Pensions Act, the age was increased from 60 to 65, and then further to 66 under coalition government legislation in 2011. The change, campaigners argue, was implemented without adequate warning, leaving many women financially unprepared for later retirement.
New Evidence Triggers a Government U-Turn
The catalyst for the review came from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) documents dating back to 2007, which, according to McFadden, had not been provided to his predecessor Liz Kendall. These documents surfaced as part of a judicial review initiated by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group, scheduled for next month. The government has now withdrawn from the judicial review, opting to reconsider its stance in light of the new findings.
McFadden emphasized transparency and fairness, stating in the Commons, “As part of the legal proceedings challenging the government’s decision, evidence has been cited about research findings from a 2007 report. In light of this, and in the interest of fairness and transparency, I have concluded that the government should now consider this evidence.”
Importantly, he clarified that the review does not guarantee compensation: “The review should not be taken as an indication that the government will decide that it should award financial redress.”
The Scale of the Issue: Millions Await a Decision
The numbers involved are staggering. Approximately 3.6 million women are believed to be affected by the pension age changes. Campaigners argue these women were not properly informed about the new age thresholds, resulting in unexpected financial hardship for many.
Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, expressed the frustration felt by many: “For 10 years we have been fighting for compensation. The Government has fought us tooth and nail every step of the way. The only correct thing to do is to immediately compensate the 3.6 million WASPI women who have already waited too long for justice.”
Sadly, around 300,000 affected women are believed to have died since calls for compensation first began in 2015, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the issue.
Financial Implications and Political Considerations
The potential compensation package, as recommended by the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman in March 2024, could see payouts of up to £2,950 per woman. If implemented for all eligible recipients, the total cost could reach £10.5 billion—a substantial impact on public finances.
Liz Kendall, the previous Secretary, had rejected compensation, arguing that most people were aware of the changes. This stance contradicted the Ombudsman’s findings and inflamed campaigners’ demands for justice.
The government’s renewed openness to reviewing the evidence is seen by many as a result of persistent activism and legal pressure. For years, Waspi campaigners have maintained that the government did not communicate the changes effectively, and that the affected women deserve compensation for the disruption to their retirement plans.
What Happens Next?
With the review underway, the focus now shifts to the government’s handling of the new evidence and its ultimate decision. The withdrawal from the judicial review suggests a willingness to engage with campaigners and consider the full scope of the issue. However, there remains a degree of skepticism about whether the government will offer meaningful compensation or find alternative solutions.
For the millions of women who have waited for answers, the coming months will be crucial. Will the government recognize the hardship caused and offer financial redress? Or will the review end with another disappointment for those affected?
One thing is clear: the Waspi women’s fight for justice has forced the government to confront uncomfortable questions about fairness, communication, and responsibility. Their story is a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of policy decisions—and the tenacity required to hold leaders accountable.
As the government reopens its investigation, the facts point to a critical juncture in pension policy history. The willingness to review new evidence is a step toward transparency, but only a decisive resolution will bring closure to millions of women who have endured years of uncertainty and financial strain. The outcome will serve as a benchmark for how governments respond to long-standing public grievances and whether justice delayed can finally be justice delivered.