WASPI support spikes before crucial vote on compensation for 1950s women this week

A new survey for the Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign (WASPI) reveals that three-quarters of British adults think the UK Government should reverse its stance and compensate millions of 1950s-born women affected by State Pension age hikes.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's (PHSO) final report, released in March, concluded that "Parliament must urgently identify a mechanism for providing that appropriate remedy" and suggested compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950. Yet, last month, DWP boss Liz Kendall declared there would be "no scheme of financial compensation" for those hit by an increase in the State Pension age.

In her December 17 address to MPs, Ms Kendall acknowledged DWP mistakes and issued an apology on behalf of the UK government to all women affected by the retirement age revisions, but offered no financial compensation. The latest WASPI campaign poll indicates the public disagree, with three-quarters (64%) of voters urging ministers to heed the PHSO's advice and grant "fair compensation" to WASPI women.

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This is in spite of government claims that compensating WASPI women would unfairly tax the public.

Ms Kendall said that following the PHSO's remuneration proposal, taxpayers could be on the hook for between £3.5 billion to £10.5 billion. Addressing MPs, she stated: "Given the great majority of women knew that the State Pension Age was increasing, the Government does not believe paying a flat rate to all women - at a cost of up to £10.5 billion - would be a fair or proportionate use of taxpayers' money."

WASPI is campaigning for some 3.6 million women who contend they weren't adequately