Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women’s State Pension Age

Wednesday 5 February 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial promises include delivering on manifesto commitments regarding state pension age changes.
  • The Government has acknowledged the ombudsman's findings of maladministration and is working to prevent future issues.
  • A communications strategy using modern methods is being developed to support and reassure those affected by state pension changes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth
Women & Equalities Standards & Ethics
Context

Following the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's report on women’s state pension age, concerns remain about compensation for affected women.

Question

People are disillusioned with politics due to lack of change. The Tories refused compensation for WASPI women, and our Government has not improved the situation. Do you realise that if we do not provide promised changes, a far-right Government could take power?

Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)

We are committed to delivering on our manifesto promises. We have accepted the ombudsman's findings of maladministration, apologised for delays, and are working with the ombudsman to prevent similar issues in the future. Compensation is not appropriate as 90% were aware of changes; nobody lost out financially.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Request for specific compensation plan and action

How: We Are Committed To Making Sure That Sufficient Notice Will Be Given In The Future.

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Q2 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Women feel let down by the Government regarding compensation for changes to state pension age.

Question

Women across the UK feel let down by this Government. What action will be taken to reassure those affected and support them who have been wronged for years?

Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)

We are working with the ombudsman to ensure this never happens again. A detailed report will be published, and we are committed to ensuring sufficient notice is given of future state pension changes. We are also developing a communications strategy using up-to-date methods.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reassurance actions for impacted women

How: We Will Develop A Communications Strategy Using The Most Up-To-Date Methods.

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