Among the constituents who booked in to see me privately at my recent Super Surgery were two local WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners Frances Neil and Deborah Dalton.
Frances and Debbie are part of the large cohort of women born between 6 April 1950 – 5th April 1960 for whom the date on which they can draw their state pension was moved back. The WASPI women claim that they were not informed adequately of the changes or how it would affect them financially.
They are asking for redress and compensation. A number of WASPI women – over a quarter of a million - have since died before receiving anything from the Government.
I was so glad that Frances and Debbie took the time to come and see me and shortly afterwards I raised their plight, and that of all the WASPI Women in the Commons. I'm delighted that the Pensions Minister has offered to meet me to discuss this important matter further.
With the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman having concluded its investigation and the final report issued today, I stand by my call for a Government statement to enable MPs to debate the issue.
If you want to understand the problem in a nutshell, watch my short video.
