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Government Rebuffs WASPI Compensation Push as Petition Falls Short of Debate Threshold

Citing the Ombudsman’s narrow finding on delayed letters, ministers rule out payments, putting pressure on MPs to decide next steps.

Overview

  • The latest government response limits its apology to a communications failure and maintains the decision to raise state pension ages was lawful.
  • The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found maladministration over a 28‑month delay in personalised letters between 2005 and 2007 but did not assess wider hardship.
  • A petition led by Kay Ann Clarke has around 60,000–61,000 signatures and needs 100,000 to be considered for a parliamentary debate.
  • The DWP says it will not pay a financial remedy, while the Ombudsman has urged MPs to intervene and WASPI leaders are calling for a binding vote on compensation.
  • Ministers highlight broader pension support including the triple lock, increased Pension Credit take‑up efforts, and a forthcoming DWP action plan to improve future communications.