← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
State Pension Changes: Women
12 March 2024
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Paul Maynard
Tags
TaxationEmploymentForeign AffairsBenefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 14200
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about state pension changes: women in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker urges the Government to acknowledge the harm caused by these changes, issue a public apology to the WASPI women, compensate them for their losses, deliver restitution promptly and efficiently, engage in dialogue with the women to address underlying causes of the issues, and adopt a holistic approach to pension system challenges.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate focuses on the adverse effects of state pension changes on women born in the 1950s, often referred to as WASPI women. The speaker emphasises that these women were not adequately informed about the increase in their state pension age from 60 to 65 or 66. They argue that this lack of information has caused financial hardship, emotional distress and health problems for many. The debate also highlights issues of discrimination on grounds of sex and age, inadequate communication strategies by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and a failure to consult those affected.
I thank Jim Shannon for his work on this debate and sponsor my private Member's Bill demanding compensation for the 3.8 million women affected by pension age increases without proper notification, including those in my constituency. The Government should have acted after maladministration was found but has ignored the issue for nine years. Alan Brown asked if the Labour party agreed with the principle of compensation for WASPI women, prompting a personal response from Patricia Gibson about fair recompense for affected individuals. Brown suggested that despite ongoing investigations by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, the Government has the authority to initiate compensation measures without waiting for final reports.
Congratulates the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate and his opening speech, urges the Minister to accept the findings from the ombudsman's stage 1 report and act swiftly for compensation.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Compliments the hon. Member for securing the debate, mentions that many women were affected twice by pension changes in 2011; calls on the Government to accept the findings of maladministration. The hon. Member for Denton and Reddish highlighted that the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found in 2021 that the DWP had committed maladministration by not adequately informing women about changes to their state pension age.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
I understand the Minister's position on the specifics and the dates. It is perfectly clear that we are not going to get any indication of a timeline, but does the Minister accept that the WASPI women paid their dues and did their part? We have already seen that maladministration has been found.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
I support over 5,000 WASPI women in Ceredigion and commend their campaign group for raising awareness of the injustice they face due to pension changes. Women born after April 6, 1950 have suffered a lifetime of inequality, contributing greatly but now facing financial and emotional hardship because of state changes not communicated properly.
Beth Winter
Lab
Cynon Valley
Over 4,000 constituents in Cynon Valley are affected by state pension changes. The DWP has not accepted the findings of maladministration reported by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Compensation for WASPI women is needed now to address poverty and loss of homes due to these changes.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
There is a clear message that justice is on the side of the WASPI ladies who, despite their uncomplaining nature and significant contributions to communities, face injustices due to pension maladministration. The speaker urges the Minister to listen closely to these voices if it is determined that action needs to be taken. Seely inquired about a timeline for the completion of the ombudsman's investigation and its subsequent publication.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow North West
Thanking the hon. Gentleman for his speech, agrees that justice delayed is justice denied and calls on the Government to compensate WASPI women now. The SNP spokesperson highlights historical injustices faced by women born in the 1950s, including lack of equal pay and societal restrictions. He expects the ombudsman to send this issue back to Parliament for resolution and compensation. Stephens criticises the Government's delay and its £46 billion unfunded tax cuts.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Christine Jardine thanked Patricia Gibson for her intervention, acknowledging the widespread impact of pension age changes on families across the country. She questioned whether the Government fully appreciates the scale of the issue and suggested they should listen to those advocating for change.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Renfrewshire North
Gavin Newlands highlighted the case of over 12,000 WASPI women in Renfrewshire, emphasising a constituent's nine-year-long struggle to seek justice. He criticised the DWP for refusing to accept findings from the ombudsman and urged the government to provide appropriate remedy for affected individuals. Gavin Newlands inquired about Labour's past commitments, specifically mentioning a £58 billion promise made by the previous Labour Government to compensate WASPI women. He also questioned Patricia Gibson on whether compensation should be included in the upcoming manifesto. Will the Minister give way?
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Furniss highlighted the historical disadvantage faced by women in pension schemes, noting that they retire with significantly lower savings than men due to longer lifespans and fewer employment opportunities. She also pointed out the gender pay gap, which worsens the situation for women's retirement security.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
5,360 women in Liverpool, West Derby constituency are affected by changes to the women's state pension age. The MP supports the campaign for pension justice and acknowledges the efforts of campaigners such as CEDAWinLAW and WASPI. Jane lost her home due to loss of state pension caused by these changes. The MP calls for immediate action from the Government to address this injustice.
Ian Paisley
DUP
North Antrim
The hon. Member for North Antrim echoed support for WASPI women and emphasised the need for a sustainable and equitable pensions system, preventing future injustices.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Congratulates the hon. Member for securing the debate, highlights the missed opportunity in last week's Budget to address the issue and mentions that 260,000 women have died since the campaign started in 2015.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Tens of thousands of women have been plunged into poverty by state pension changes, and many feel abandoned as the investigation has taken too long. Compensation is needed urgently, especially considering the cost of living crisis. The Minister is hiding behind the need to wait until the final report is out, but at around the time of the stage 1 report, the PHSO said that Ministers could be proactive in finding a remedy for 1950s women. What does the Minister say to that?
Hayes and Harlington
The shadow Chancellor highlighted the history of debates on this issue from 2015, noting attempts at cross-party agreement for a compensation scheme. He argued that despite initial cost concerns, a £12 billion four-year scheme was affordable given low interest rates. McDonnell urged for urgency and a simple scheme to compensate affected women quickly. Will the Minister give way?
Joins in congratulating the hon. Member for organising the debate; discusses the potential draft reports from the ombudsman which could lead to restitution, highlights complexity of compensation due to different levels of injustice faced by women.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Will the Minister give way?
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Glasgow South
Kenny MacAskill focused on injustice and restitution, comparing past injustices like the Horizon scandal and blood scandal. He argued that women who have suffered due to state pension changes should receive compensation for both financial loss and unquantifiable emotional damage.
Mick Whitley
Con
Newbury
The MP highlighted the impact of state pension age changes on women born in the 1950s, noting that while his wife was affected but lucky, many others faced destitution and relied on their spouses for survival. He cited a constituent's experience of being unable to secure employment due to discrimination against older women. The WASPI campaign reported that 70% of its members had reduced weekly spending, with over half struggling to pay essential bills and one in four unable to afford food. Tens of thousands of affected women have lost their lives since the issue began.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
Cunningham
Patricia Gibson expressed deep concern over the UK Government's inaction regarding WASPI women, highlighting the moral duty to deliver justice and compensation for those impacted by pension age changes. She emphasized the urgent need for fair recompense that reflects the hardship experienced by these women due to financial distress and emotional trauma caused by delays. As has happened with other judgments in a legal context, will the Minister commit his Government at the very minimum to implementing the judgment of the ombudsman? Or will they try to fight it, obfuscate and kick it into the long grass?
Paul Scott
Con
Havant
The state pension changes disproportionately affect women due to career breaks for childcare and unequal pay. I urge the government to address these inequalities immediately to ensure fairness in retirement income.
Peter Aldous
Con
Bury St Edmunds
Thanks the hon. Member for securing the debate, mentions that he has to leave early and refers to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's stage 1 report which confirmed that WASPI women were not properly advised.
Gibson requested a guarantee that the Department is fully cooperating with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's investigation into state pension changes affecting women born in the 1950s.
Sara Wong
LD
Cambridge
I am concerned that women's state pension ages are rising rapidly, causing financial hardship for many. Women born in the mid-1950s have faced particularly steep changes, with some seeing their pension age rise by seven years.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Thanks the hon. Member for securing the debate, mentions that over 8,000 WASPI women live in her constituency and many are financially struggling; one constituent had to sell their home.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
The MP paid tribute to WASPI campaigners and highlighted the injustice suffered by women due to DWP maladministration. He mentioned that about 260,000 WASPI women have died during the campaign's lifetime. The MP argued for compensation based on PHSO recommendations and stressed the urgency of fair compensation given the cost of living crisis and pension inequality issues.
Government Response
Paul Maynard
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Sir Gary Streeter. I thank Jim Shannon for securing this debate and all Members who have contributed, recognising the strength of feeling among 1950s-born women affected by state pension age changes and the difficulties they face. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's investigation into state pension age communication is ongoing, with no indication from the ombudsman on a publication date. While the Department for Work and Pensions cooperates fully with the investigation, it cannot make commitments regarding justice or compensation until the final report is published due to its confidentiality. The announcement in 1993 of equalising state pension age addressed inequality between men and women; changes were made through Acts by successive Governments following consultations and debates. Women retiring today can expect over two years longer receipt of the state pension than men if equalisation had not occurred. The Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman found maladministration in notifying affected women from 2005 to 2007, causing injustice. In 2016, the state pension was reformed with a new system to simplify and sustain pensions, improving outcomes for many women, carers, and self-employed individuals. Automatic enrolment has increased participation rates among eligible women in private sector work from 40% in 2012 to 86% in 2022. Pension credit provides extra money for daily living costs, with the case load being just under 1.4 million people, of whom 63% are single women. The poverty rate for pensioners has decreased by two percentage points since 2010. Additionally, cost-of-living payments are available to those most vulnerable.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.