Overview
- The DWP says it is retaking last December’s decision on compensation for women born in the 1950s, with Pensions Minister Torsten Bell pledging to update Parliament once a conclusion is reached.
- The rethink follows information that “came to light,” including a 2007 DWP evaluation linked to stopping automatic pension forecast letters.
- A planned special hearing and December judicial review dates were canceled, and the legal challenge is paused while the government reconsiders.
- WASPI reports ministers committed to best endeavours to finish the reassessment by around 24 February and to cover more than half of the campaign’s legal costs.
- Roughly 3.5 million women are affected; the PHSO found maladministration and suggested £1,000–£2,950 per person, though the government previously rejected a blanket scheme citing potential costs up to £10.5 billion.