WASPI challenges Labour’s DWP decision with judicial review

The WASPI campaign is seeking a judicial review of the DWP’s refusal to pay state pension age compensation, as the group raises funds and awaits a High Court decision on whether their legal challenge will proceed

The WASPI campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality) continues to challenge the Government’s position and press for compensation payments. The organisation believes the current political uncertainty in Westminster offers new opportunities to garner support.

In January 2025, Labour announced there would be no compensation for women born in the 1950s represented by WASPI and similar groups. These women were affected by the state pension age increasing from 60 to 65 and later to 66. Campaigners maintain they weren’t properly informed of the changes, with many discovering them too late, leaving their retirement plans in ruins. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman previously backed their case, finding the DWP guilty of maladministration.

The Parliamentary watchdog proposed compensation sums ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 and urged Parliament to tackle the issue. However, Labour has rejected compensation, contending that most affected women were aware of the changes and that earlier notification would have made little difference.

WASPI has subsequently filed an application for a judicial review of this decision. The campaign group anticipates hearing from the courts within the next two to three months about whether their claim will advance to the High Court.

Numerous MPs have individually expressed their support for compensation, as have particular political parties. This includes the Liberal Democrats and the Greens. Both parties increased their councillor numbers in the recent local elections, while Labour shed more than 1,400 seats, mirroring the country’s mounting dissatisfaction with the Labour Government. Angela Madden, chair of the WASPI campaign, suggested that the current turmoil in Westminster might offer a new chance for them to make progress, reports Lancs Live.

‘Quite interesting’ development

Ms Madden said: “Keir Starmer’s Government becomes less popular every day. I think Andy Burnham joining the race in the Makerfield by election is quite interesting.

“Andy does say he is a supporter of ours, but then so did many Labour people before they got into power.” Andy Burnham had previously told the BBC that he considered the decision not to award WASPI compensation to be “the wrong decision”, saying that all political parties ought to have accepted the Ombudsman’s report and acted on its findings.

Ms Madden noted that the campaign has substantial backing from Labour backbenchers. WASPI is currently fundraising to meet its legal expenses for the judicial review, aiming for £100,000, having already secured over £60,000.

The campaign leader stated she remains “hopeful” that they will continue to gain momentum. Reform UK emerged as the clear victors in the local elections, securing hundreds of seats and assuming control of numerous councils.

‘A complete unknown’ Ms Madden acknowledged that the implications for their campaign remain unclear. She said: “It’s a complete unknown. They haven’t come out in support of WASPI, so we still don’t know. It’s a very difficult time, but it seems there will always be opportunities in any change for us, there always have been.”

While the high court has the authority to overturn the DWP’s ruling, it is not in a position to order any compensation payments. In the near future, WASPI will be attending a number of union conferences over the coming weeks in an effort to raise awareness and secure additional support.

The organisation will be represented at the GMB conference in Blackpool and the Unison conference in Brighton, with both events due to take place in June.