New calls for State Pension age public inquiry for 1950s-born women affected by DWP changes

Calls for Public Inquiry into State Pension Age Changes for 1950s-Born Women

An online petition has been launched calling for a public inquiry into changes made to the State Pension age for women born in the 1950s. This comes despite the findings of an independent investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman earlier this year. The Ombudsman’s report recommended compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 for those affected by the changes.

The petition, titled ‘Hold a Public Inquiry into the State Pension age change for 1950s women,’ argues that not all views of women impacted by the changes to their State Pension have been taken into consideration. The petition creator, Kay Clarke, believes that a public inquiry is necessary to uncover the truth and explore fair and balanced resolutions for the millions of affected women.

At 10,000 signatures, the petition will receive a written response from the UK Government, and at 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds confirmed that the Department for Work and Pensions has been evaluating the costs of setting up a compensation scheme for women affected by the changes to their State Pension age.

In response to the Ombudsman’s investigation and report, the DWP found that the estimated compensation costs did not account for administrative expenses. The government is currently reviewing the Ombudsman’s report to determine the next steps.

The call for a public inquiry and potential compensation scheme highlights the ongoing challenges faced by 1950s-born women regarding changes to their State Pension age. The petition aims to ensure that all voices are heard and that a fair resolution is achieved for those affected by the pension age adjustments.

In summary, the push for a public inquiry into State Pension age changes for 1950s-born women reflects the persistent efforts of campaigners to seek justice and fair treatment in light of the pension alterations. The petition underscores the importance of comprehensive investigations and fair resolutions to address the concerns of those impacted by such policy adjustments.