The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing fight for compensation due to the government’s controversial state pension age changes.
Having raised £180,000 so far, WASPI aims to secure a court review into the refusal of compensation following the findings of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
This article details the grounds of the legal challenge and the campaign’s next steps.
Key Arguments Behind the WASPI Legal Challenge
WASPI’s legal challenge is based on two primary arguments against the government’s decision to deny compensation.
These grounds are pivotal as the campaign seeks to overturn the government’s stance on pension age changes.
Ground One: Government’s Rejection of PHSO Findings
The first argument is that the government’s rejection of the PHSO’s findings lacks rationality and fails to meet legal standards.
WASPI claims that the government’s refusal was not based on “cogent or even rational reasons”. Specifically, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) cited a “logical flaw” in the PHSO’s decision.
Government’s Argument vs WASPI’s Challenge
| Government’s Claim | WASPI’s Counter-Argument |
|---|---|
| Rejected PHSO’s findings based on a “logical flaw” | Claims lack of cogent reasoning and rationality in rejection |
| Relied on a 2014 survey showing 25% success rate for letters | Argues survey data from 2014 doesn’t reflect the effectiveness of letters from 2006 |
| Defended lack of compensation due to awareness of pension age changes | Claims awareness does not equate to understanding the impact on personal pension dates |
Ground Two: Misinterpretation of Awareness
The second ground of the legal challenge revolves around the government’s reliance on the 2006 Attitudes survey.
The DWP claims that the survey indicates 90% of women were aware of the state pension age change. However, Women Against State Pension Inequality argues that awareness alone is not sufficient.
The campaign contends that the survey did not address whether women truly understood how the pension age change would affect them individually.
WASPI’s Increased Fundraising Target
As part of its ongoing legal battle, Women Against State Pension Inequality has raised its fundraising target to £230,000. This additional funding is necessary for the campaign to continue its legal proceedings and to apply for a cost capping order from the court.
The aim is to ensure that the legal costs are contained while pursuing justice for the women affected by the state pension changes.
Government’s Stance on Communication Effectiveness
WASPI’s legal challenge also contests the government’s interpretation of how effectively state pension age changes were communicated.
The DWP argues that sending letters was insufficient in raising awareness, referencing a 2014 survey showing a 25% chance of recipients reading and recalling unsolicited letters.
Women Against State Pension Inequality believes this survey is an unreliable basis for determining the effectiveness of communication, especially considering the survey data only applies to letters sent in 2014, not the letters sent in 2006.
Public Backlash and Legal Momentum
The WASPI campaign has gained substantial public support, with many women rallying behind the cause. Legal momentum is building as Women Against State Pension Inequality seeks a court declaration that the government’s rejection of compensation was “irrational” and lacked “cogent reasons”.
Additionally, the campaign is asking the court to quash the government’s decision and grant legal costs to Women Against State Pension Inequality.
Key Milestones for WASPI and the Legal Challenge
- Fundraising Goal: £230,000 to continue the legal fight
- Core Argument: Government’s rejection of PHSO findings lacks rational basis
- Focus on Communication: Challenge over misinterpretation of 2006 survey data
- Request for Court Action: Seeking compensation for affected women and overturning the government’s decision
The Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign is making significant strides in its legal battle to secure compensation for women affected by state pension age changes.
With continued fundraising efforts and a solid legal foundation, the campaign is determined to challenge the government’s decision and secure justice for those impacted by the unfair pension reforms.
FAQs
What is the WASPI campaign fighting for?
The Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign is seeking compensation for women who were adversely affected by changes to the state pension age, which were implemented without adequate notice.
Why is WASPI challenging the government’s decision?
Women Against State Pension Inequality argues that the government’s refusal to offer compensation is irrational and based on faulty reasoning, particularly the reliance on outdated survey data to justify the decision.
How much has WASPI raised for its legal battle?
Women Against State Pension Inequality has raised £180,000 and is increasing its fundraising target to £230,000 to continue its legal challenge against the government’s refusal to provide compensation.