Waspi women prepare for new legal battle against government’s compensation refusal

Politics
19 Mar 2026 • 6:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Women affected by state pension age changes are preparing a formal legal challenge against the government's repeated refusal to offer compensation.
  • The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign group's legal team will highlight "legal errors" in the government's decision, setting a 14-day deadline for a response.
  • Waspi argues the government's compensation denial is based on a "narrow set of data" regarding public awareness, despite a Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report suggesting compensation of £1,000 to £2,950 per person.
  • Angela Madden, Waspi chairwoman, stated the group is prepared to take the government to the High Court if ministers do not heed the independent ombudsman's recommendations.
  • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) acknowledged maladministration and apologised to the women affected, stating its focus is now on improving future communication regarding state pension matters.

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