ANGER has been sparked in the city over the government’s rejection of compensation for women hit by changes to the state pension age.
Months after Worcester City Council passed a motion to back the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, the government has announced it will not support compensation for the affected women, including some 3,000 in Worcester.
A parliamentary ombudsman had recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 for each of those affected.
The City Council motion, introduced by Coun Sarah Murray, highlighted the devastating impact of state pension age changes on women born in the 1950s. It passed with cross-party support.
Coun Murray’s motion argued that these changes have not only had a profound effect on the individuals directly affected but have also created a ripple effect throughout the Worcester community.
Women unable to retire as planned have been less able to care for older relatives or partners, increasing the strain on local social care. Many women left in poverty are struggling with housing costs, while voluntary services have lost active retirees who could have contributed to local initiatives.
In addition, Worcester’s local economy has suffered from the reduced spending power of women born in the 1950s.
It is estimated that over 3,000 women in Worcester alone have been impacted by these changes, many of whom are now facing financial hardship due to the lack of adequate notice and support.
The council agreed to support a swift resolution to the injustice, including the All-Party Parliamentary Group’s recommendation for an immediate one-off compensation payment to affected women and a formal apology from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The council also called for an urgent parliamentary debate on the recommendations.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he understood the Waspi women’s concerns, but had to take into account whether it was right “to impose a further burden on the taxpayer”.
Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Worcester, Mel Allcott said: “The council sent a clear and united message to Westminster months ago, supported by residents across Worcester, yet the government has chosen to ignore it. The WASPI women deserve justice, and our city deserves answers.”
Coun Sarah Murray added: “This is not just about individual women; it’s about the far-reaching impact on our local services, economy, and community. The government must act swiftly to address this injustice before more women die waiting for the compensation they are owed.”
