A recent poll revealed that two-thirds of young voters support the idea of the Government compensating WASPI women. The campaign, targeting 18-34 year olds, highlights that 66% of respondents believe that around three million women born in the 1950s should receive financial payouts. Angela Madden, the chair of WASPI, emphasized the urgent need for justice, stating that the government is at a critical juncture to rectify the situation.
The upcoming decision from the Government, following the emergence of new evidence, will determine if compensation will be granted. Madden emphasized the significance of intergenerational fairness and the obligation of the state to correct any administrative failures, regardless of the age of those affected. The overwhelming support from the younger demographic reflects a societal demand for accountability and justice.
A survey conducted by Yonder, involving 2,095 adults, highlighted that 53% of individuals aged 18-34 believe there should be a parliamentary debate and vote on the issue of compensation. Additionally, 77% of respondents agreed that individuals impacted by maladministration should be entitled to redress without the need for legal proceedings.
The pressure on the Government to reconsider its decision of denying compensation to 3.6 million women is escalating. WASPI was on the brink of a legal confrontation in December, seeking a judicial review, but the legal action is currently paused pending the outcome of the ongoing review.
Angela Madden stressed that only a comprehensive compensation scheme will be acceptable, emphasizing the critical nature of the current situation. The campaigners have gathered over £250,000 to support their legal efforts. The failures at the DWP resulted in significant financial challenges for women affected by the abrupt changes in the state pension age, leading many into poverty due to the lack of adequate planning opportunities.
These women faced challenges as their state pension age was raised from 60 to 65 and then to 66. The DWP has committed to revisiting the decision within the next three months but has not guaranteed financial compensation at this stage.