Day of shame: Labour will not pay WASPI women compensation, Liz Kendall announces
In a recent announcement, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the UK government would not compensate women born in the 1950s who were affected by the increase in the state pension age. This decision followed an investigation by the Ombudsman, which suggested compensation ranging between £1,000 and £2,950 per individual. Despite understanding the frustration of these women,
Kendall rejected these calls for compensation, calling it a difficult decision to make. She emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the pension triple lock and ensuring that state pensions would increase by up to £1,900 annually by the end of the current parliamentary term.

Liz announced:
“I know there are women born in the 1950s who want and deserve a better life, they have worked hard in paid jobs and in bringing up their families. Many are struggling financially with the cost of living and fewer savings to fall back on, and they worry about their health and how their children and grandchildren will get on”
“To those women I say, this Government will protect the pensions triple lock, so your state pension will increase by up to £1,900 per year by the end of this Parliament.”
“We’ll drive down waiting lists so you get the treatment you need with an extra £22 billion of funding for the NHS this year and next. And we’ll deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities your families need to build a better life. I know that on this specific decision, many 1950s-born women will be disappointed, but we believe it is the right decision and the fair decision.”
WASPI Dates of Birth and Understanding Pension Age Adjustment
Day of Shame, Liberal Democrats labeled the decision
In response, the Liberal Democrats labeled the decision a “day of shame,” criticizing the government for failing to address the financial struggles many of these women face, especially given the cost-of-living pressures.
The controversy stems from the pension age changes, which have disproportionately affected women born in the 1950s, many of whom now find themselves working longer before qualifying for their pensions. Many argue that the government’s failure to offer compensation reflects an inadequate response to the hardships these women are facing.