Particle.news
Download on the App Store

DWP Confirms WASPI Action Plan Paused as Ministers Retake Compensation Decision

The ombudsman has warned the delay signals deprioritisation of remedies, with more than 100 MPs demanding an update by March 2.

Overview

  • Permanent secretary Sir Peter Schofield told MPs the department halted implementation because the plan flowed from a prior decision now being reconsidered by ministers.
  • Paula Sussex of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman said she was told in November the work had been paused and raised "serious concerns" about delays and deprioritising remedial action.
  • The DWP said a working draft of the plan exists after joint workshops in April and June 2025, but it will not be implemented or published until a new decision is made.
  • A December 2025 out-of-court settlement requires the Secretary of State to issue a fresh decision within three months, after the Government had rejected blanket payouts in December 2024.
  • Campaigners say 100 cross-party MPs have signed a letter urging ministers to "reach the right decision" and to provide a progress update by March 2, while the DWP cautions a retake does not guarantee compensation.