The long-standing battle between the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reached a pivotal moment.
WASPI, representing millions of women born in the 1950s affected by changes to the State Pension age, has secured a key legal victory that could reshape the landscape of pension justice in the UK.
This legal breakthrough allows WASPI to move forward with a potential High Court judicial review, following the government’s continued refusal to offer blanket compensation. At the heart of the dispute lies the maladministration in communication about pension changes that caused severe financial harm to many women.
What Is the WASPI Campaign About?
WASPI has been campaigning for fair compensation for women born in the 1950s, many of whom were given inadequate notice of the rise in their State Pension age from 60 to 65, and later to 66. These women were left with little or no time to prepare for the financial consequences.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) previously found evidence of maladministration in the way the DWP handled the communication.
While ministers have apologized, they rejected proposals for compensation—sparking the latest round of legal action.
Key Legal Development: Costs Capping Order
On Monday, WASPI confirmed that it had successfully secured a costs capping order—a major development in their legal fight. This means that if WASPI loses the case, their liability for the DWP’s legal fees is limited.
Legal Safeguard Details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Group | WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) |
| Legal Development | Costs Capping Order |
| Maximum Liability (WASPI) | £60,000 |
| Purpose | Protection from financial ruin if case is lost |
| Status of Legal Case | Judicial review deemed “arguable” |
| Funding Status | Fundraising ongoing for legal costs |
This legal cap offers WASPI confidence to move forward without fear of incurring hundreds of thousands of pounds in government legal bills.
Angela Madden: “The Fight of Our Lives”
Angela Madden, chair of WASPI, emphasized the importance of the safeguard, stating:
“Without this safeguard, we faced a real risk of financial ruin—of effectively being silenced by the threat of government legal bills… We now have the certainty we need to press on.”
Despite this win, she warned that the costs of pursuing the legal battle remain substantial. WASPI is continuing to raise funds for legal representation and is urging supporters to contribute to their fighting fund.
The Background: Compensation Controversy
The PHSO report had suggested that affected women could receive between £1,000 and £2,950 in compensation. However, in December 2024, the government formally rejected the idea of a blanket compensation scheme, citing an estimated cost of £10.5 billion to taxpayers.
While the government accepted the finding of maladministration, it disagreed with the ombudsman’s recommended remedy, leading to widespread criticism and the current legal challenge.
DWP’s Response
The DWP has maintained a cautious stance, stating:
“We do not comment on live litigation. We have apologised for there being a 28-month delay in writing to 1950s-born women. However, we do not agree with the ombudsman’s approach to injustice or remedy and that is why we have decided not to pay compensation.”
This response highlights the deep divide between the government and campaigners, despite widespread public and political pressure for resolution.
Why This Matters for Millions of Women
The outcome of this legal challenge could set a powerful precedent. Millions of women—many of whom were left in financial limbo after discovering they would not receive their pensions at 60—are watching closely.
The lack of timely notification meant some had already retired, sold homes, or made significant financial decisions based on inaccurate expectations.
The judicial review, if successful, could force the government to revisit its position on financial redress for affected women.
The WASPI campaign’s legal safeguard is a turning point in the ongoing struggle for justice and compensation.
With a costs capping order now in place and legal arguments accepted as “arguable,” the path to a judicial review is clearer than ever.
While the journey remains challenging, WASPI’s resilience and support base continue to grow. This case is not just about backpay—it’s about fairness, transparency, and holding public institutions accountable for how they manage people’s futures.
The pressure is mounting on the DWP to reconsider its stance, and for the UK government to finally right a historic wrong.
FAQs
What is a costs capping order, and why is it important?
A costs capping order limits how much one party must pay toward the opposing party’s legal fees if they lose. It allows WASPI to pursue legal action without risking bankruptcy.
Who is eligible for compensation according to WASPI?
WASPI is campaigning for compensation for women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960, who were adversely affected by State Pension age changes without adequate notice.
What happens next in the legal case?
WASPI’s legal arguments have been deemed “arguable,” meaning the case can now proceed to a full judicial review in the High Court.