Two-thirds of young voters are in favor of the Government providing compensation to WASPI women, according to recent polling results. The campaign highlights strong support from 18-34 year-olds, with 66% advocating for payouts to over three million women born in the 1950s. Angela Madden, chair of WASPI, cautioned that ministers are running out of time to deliver justice.
In the coming month, supporters will await a decision from the Government regarding the possibility of reconsidering their stance on compensation following the emergence of new evidence. Madden emphasized the importance of younger generations understanding the principles of justice and fairness, regardless of age, when addressing state failures in administration.
A survey conducted by Yonder of 2,095 adults revealed that 53% of 18-34 year-olds believe the Government should hold a debate and vote on the issue of compensation. Additionally, 77% expressed the view that individuals affected by maladministration should receive redress without resorting to legal measures.
Pressure mounts on the Government to reverse its previous decision of not granting compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 to 3.6 million women. WASPI had been prepared for a legal showdown in early December to seek a judicial review, but legal actions are currently on hold pending the outcome of the latest review.
Madden, 71, insisted that only a compensation scheme would be acceptable, stressing the critical juncture the situation has reached. She warned that if ministers continue to disregard recommendations from the Parliamentary Ombudsman, they risk significant backlash and further legal consequences.
Campaigners have raised over £250,000 to support their legal challenge. Failures within the DWP led to a lack of proper communication regarding the decision to raise the state pension age for women, resulting in severe financial hardships for many who were unprepared for the sudden change.
These women were adversely affected by the successive increases in their state pension age from 60 to 65 and then to 66. While the DWP committed to reviewing the decision last month, they clarified that this did not guarantee a decision to award financial compensation.
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