There were cheers from the public gallery as the Isle of Wight Council unanimously voted to support WASPI women and their calls for justice last night (Wednesday). Nearly 11,000 women on the Island were affected by the change in state pension age for those born in the 1950s, which meant they had to work later in life and lost out on thousands of pounds. A motion, put forward by Councillor Michael Lilley from the Solent WASPI women, was calling from Councillor Phil Jordan, the council leader, to write to the government calling out the injustice for Island women and seek support for immediate compensation. Councillor Lilley said it was sad the women were still fighting the government for fair treatment and waiting for justice, and had not anticipated the current cost of living crisis, which is causing further issues. He said the women were not invisible and it was right and proper for the Isle of Wight Council to reconfirm its support for them. Councillor Geoff Brodie first raised the matter with the authority more than 7 years ago. He said he entirely supported the campaign although he ‘sadly didn’t think it would get anywhere until there is a change of government’. The motion was unanimously supported across the council chamber and Councillor Jordan said he was very happy to write the letter if it would help the women. The letter will be published on the council website and any reply received made public. Speaking after the meeting the women said they were very grateful for the support and urged politicians in Westminster to act urgently and set out their plan to deliver justice. A WASPI spokesperson has said:
“We’re very grateful for the overwhelming support from Councillor Michael Lilley and Isle of Wight councillors who voted unanimously in favour of our calls for fair and fast compensation this evening. “With the Ombudsman expected to release his provisional findings to affected women later next week, politicians in Westminster must act urgently to set out their plan to deliver justice to the 3.6 million women affected by last minute changes to their State Pension age.”
I hope WASPI is successful. John Major instigated the change in pension age for women in 1993. I think the government(s) had time to inform women properly, which they didn’t. I also think the pension increase should have been staged in – so that not everyone has to wait 5 to 8 years longer. I am very sympathetic to women born in the 1950s.
However, women born in the 1960s are also suffering, as they suffered greatly from sexism and as such, very few were given the opportunity to save into private pension schemes or indeed have well paying jobs.
I think this whole pension reform has been rushed through, with very little consideration given to those who are suffering.
The change was widely announced and everyone knew about it apart from a few people who must have lived under a rock. There will never be any compensation because there is no cause for it.
exactly lord snooty…chancers all of them.
when the relevant person in government writes back and says ‘no’
the council will say…sorry, but we tried.
the government won’t be reopening this drivel again.
The (Male) High Court Judge ruled there was “maladministration” and that women were not informed, as they should had been.
You do not get that judgement or ruling unless there is justification for it.
The High Court and the Court of Appeal ruled against Back to 60. They said that the DWP’s adverts were adequate and that the women had not been discriminated, it was the other way round. After these court cases WASPI went to the Ombudsman and they ruled maladministration. However, the Ombudsman only has the power to recommend or suggest, they don’t have the power to make the government do anything.
Evidence shows it wasn’t “widely announced”. A major life-impacting policy change deserved personal notification. The DWP has been found guilty of Maladministration.
It was widely announced. I remember when it was first announced and several women I worked with at the time were moaning about it. I replied that it only seemed fair when women live longer than men and they get loads of time off having babies.
Are you joking. There was never a level playing field.
Women normally worked but didn’t earn a lot.
Women worked and didn’t get offered pensions.
Women often worked two or three jobs around child care. So their jobs were not jobs that paid pensions.
I have never had a problem with the change, but it was the way it was done and lack of information.
Disgraceful scenario by dwp as usual.Get the facts straight.I for one did not know anything about this dreadful state of the pension situation.
Why is it only men knew about nobody sent a letter to tell me and haven’t lived under a rock nor did I have time off to have babies I worked from all three of mine been tiny we are not moaning just wanted our pension when we should at 60
Because you (women) wanted equal rights to men, so stop whinging and get on with it like we have to do, move on……..
I totally agree. My letter said I get my pension Sept 16th 2016 but heard nothing till I rang to see where it was then had to wait till I’m 66 which was a yr ago so no I was not under a rock
I didn’t get any letter
I knew nothing about it until 2012 and should have retired 2013. Had to work to February 2016 Worked for 48 years, didn’t have kids, so no break in work. Lost out on New state pension by 2 months. How is that fair
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
Let’s be honest Lord Snooty is only 20 enjoys trying to get a rise and waffles out of his back… e, away with your hot chocolate mumsayz time up on ipad!.
I have worked since 1974, 47 of them as a nurse. I had children and still worked. I’m 6 years x £8,000 at a loss due to this change, that I was not informed about. I don’t get my pension till next year.
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
You have not lost money. In fact, you are better off because you have worked for longer. A salary is far better than a pension.
Also, the change in retirement age was widely publicised. Letters were not sent out because it was reported in newspapers, on tv, etc. Hard to believe that some people claim not to have heard about it.
I can tell you that I am one of those ladies that wasnt informed about the rise in pension age. Only remember reading about it when I was 58 . Never had the opportunity to go into a work place pension.The government should have sent out a written notice to inform us all .
Obviously the change was not ‘widely announced’ as so many women did not know about it, and I don’t know anyone who ‘lived under a rock’! I am one of those women, and I worked for the DWP in 2009-11. There were some vague rumours about changes,but when I and some of my colleagues asked, we were told that it was ‘being discussed’ at goverment level but when and how had not been decided yet.
Wow, what a stupid comment. They DO deserve compensation & I hope they get it. I suggest you go & live under a rock you silly man
Well said Natasha
Wow what a silly comment to make. I hope they get the Compensation they all deserve. Maybe best for you to go under a rock
Dear Sir …. I have worked all my life paying in to the state pension….. I was informed when first paying in .,. I would receive my pension when I am 60 years old. I have never had any notice of any kind to say I wasn’t going to receive my pension!!! So my 60 year birthday came and went .,and I had 6 more years to wait ?? Some women have died and never received any money and that is heartbreaking and truly unjust, as another 6 years is a long time to wait ??? I have never lived under a rock as I am working class and had to work for my living like all the other women waiting for our payment that is rightfully ours. I wish you the best .
A contract was broken by the Government
They’ve admitted maladministration. .they can’t take that back..paid my dues like all the other waspi women..
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
I agree with everything you have said,I too had it all planned to retire at 60 but just before this happen it was pushed to 65 and then 66.But before this we bought a new house in 1995 and increased our mortgage.we were told I would be 62 before it was paid off.So if the broker was unaware,how was I to know any difference.I never got a letter either.
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
Take it your a man? Or not had to worry about a pension?
The cause is, it should have been implemented at least 20 years ahead, not 20 minutes¡!!!!!!
His name says it all! Probably doesn’t have to worry about paying his bills
Lord Snotty…well one supposed you are ‘male. Let’s go on that. It was men who made these decisions. You are just another meddling so-called ‘man. Time for ‘men’…real ones that is..to man up and admit their errors and apologise and then shell out. After all…it is Waspi money earned not owed to the kitty by taxpayers. WE earned it. Stick that up your snooty nose.
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
It was NOT widely announced!!! I certainly do not live under a rock!!!!!!
You are worth every penny for sitting on your bottom all day talking out of your mouth what comes out of your bottom
Well now Andy….would you like to explain then how your can say that when the courts have already decided that it was unlawful what the government did???
this was well known at the time and the government have closed the matter.
writing is a token gesture by the council – when the government says no, then what – the council will say we tried.
it is a non starter and non of the rest of us want our taxes spent on this dross.
Dear SNOOTY LORD lies lies and more lies.This was not widely publisised. Had the issue been widely known the WASPI women would not have to fight for our rights
It was announced in the mid 1990 that woman would retire the same time as men because that is what women wanted equal rights to men, but if the government brought the age of retirement down for women it would be only fair to do the same for men because of equal rights, but I don’t think that will happen…..
Yes why work until you drop ? Is the state pension sustainable ? With the relentless population increases. I’m told that we have the worst pension rates in the developed countries. And why is the new state pension far better than the old one ? We have the same costs to live
It is deliberate so people work longer and only recieve a few years pension,coz by time they claim it, they will have one foot in a hearse.
it was widely publicised in the 1995 pensions act and communicated then, – the government won’t be reopening this – the council are wasting their time – it is a non starter.
No, it wasn’t communicated. And when the DWP realised that their pathetic attempt to enlighten us with really vague adverts wasn’t working they made an active decision to do…absolutely nothing.
The new state pension is paid at a higher rate than the old one, but cannot be transferred to your partner, if you have one, when you die. This again, has some serious implications for the partner of the deceased, as their income will be considerably reduced in this situation.
I’m trying to find out what happens to the money, when someone dies, the government claims it, but what are they doing with it? It is very difficult to find out!!!
This is a joke, yes ? There isn’t some account with your name on it deep in the bowels of government, which is used to fund your pension. Pension contributions go into the same pit of cash as income tax, corporation tax, IHT, etc., and is spent on everything and anything from the NHS to defence. Just be aware that if the WASPI women get compensation it will come from i) increased taxation, ii) taken from the budget of another government dept (eg education) or iii) government borrowing, increasing the national debt.
Please down vote this posting if you can show that anything I have said is not completely true.
Thank you on behalf of all WASPI women
State pension age should be 60 for everyone
that would free up jobs for youngsters, they would have no excuse
having to claim benefits.
Anyone who then wants to work over the age of 60 can do
voluntary work.
It’s a win win situation for everyone.
Since women were made to work much longer our social care system has gone all pear shape ..years ago when women retired , they took over caring for elderly grandparents etc and also pre school children so,s mothers could work .now, working till 67, most are in I’ll health and physically declining health wise themselves through working at such an older age. Remember some jobs are really physical, not sitting at a desk .with family not available, nhospital beds are not freed as no social care available for when they get home .working till 67+ is having a domino effect .the whole system is not thought out properly . being able to care for elderly , our social care is on its knees.
you wanted equality elizabeth – now suck it up
We don’t mind equality but didn’t have equality in the workplace.
Mostly low paid work and had to run a home and work. Also did most of patent elderly care.
Perhaps put down your neanderthal club.
But we didn’t get equality. You can read my comment above. You have no idea, and are ignorant of the facts, do your research and then I suggest you send your apologies to the ladies you have been rude to.
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
If we’d had equality for the first 50 years of our working lives it would have been a fine thing, but we didn’t. You should be ashamed of yourself for your nasty comments.
I wonder how many times WASPI women have heard the hackneyed “you wanted equality & now you’ve got it” tediously trotted out by people who are totally ignorant of their life experience? The facts are that these women have never had pay or pension equality. There won’t be pension equality until at least 2040, by the Government’s own estimate. And they’ve contributed billions to the economy in unpaid work. They deserve respect, not cheap insults.
If its the age if equality, why only put mens pension age up by 2 years and women 6 years???? Hardly equality
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
I totally agree with everything you have said Elizabeth. Usually it falls to the female to do the caring in the extended family. We have 3 parents all age over 87 and 1 almost 80 Aunt. We have 10 grandchildren and do school runs and baby sitting and covered many an hour for work purposes for our daughter. I’m almost 64 so have another 2 years left until I receive state pension. What these ignorant males don’t appreciate is that company pension rules for females were different to mens years ago. It wouldn’t be allowed now but we have to live with the past. When I worked for Natwest men could go into the scheme at 21 but women 23!. I missed out!. Some schemes didn’t accept part timers, another disadvantage, then state pension 6 years delay.
Just not affordable.
They can find plenty of money for other countries like India etc who dont need the money and dont spend on their poor. They have wasted 140 million on Rwanda. They robbed us of our pension. Its money we worked for. I hardly got any notice but it wouldnt have mattered as there was no time to make up the loss. They should have stahgered it which would have been fairer.
The article suggests there are 3.6 women affected by this issue. By my calculation cancelling the largely symbolic and ultimately pointless Rwanda project will allow a one off payment of £38.89p to each woman. Last year the government gave £33.4m to India, so that’s another £9.28 each. Perhaps the ubiquitous Cll Liley knows where the rest of the cash can be found ?
It’s a drop in the ocean compared to the amount of money our Governments waste annually!
This should be for the MP not the local council
It is extremely relevant to the local council. This policy has had an adverse impact on services provided by the council, such as health and social care. WASPI women have had to carry on working when they would have been looking after older relatives and/or grandchildren free of charge. It’s also had the effect of reducing the available volunteer pool many services rely on. And impoverished women don’t boost the local economy when they can’t spend. Councils can have influence with Government so it’s right that they stand with the people they represent against injustice. It should be an issue for the MP too, of course. Anyone know what he thinks?
I hope as a WASPI woman we get what we are owed. It was disgusting of the government to change the retirement rules twice within a three year period in women! Plenty if which including myself had lost their husbands.
you aren’t owed anything
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
Most of the women were working from they were 15 and going to night school to complete education. I’ve been stressed out with family commitments and struggled to work at 65. I’ve completed 50yrs at work. How many MPs can say they can work 50years full time.
Cry me a river! Most people work for 50 years. That is the norm. Lucky you are getting a state pension at all because there won’t be one in a few years time.
I was born 1954 and I really do believe we should be paid out they have hung this out for a long time if I get anything back I would enjoy the rest of my life
I remember the Government announcing it widely in 1995 and it was well advertised. The government also said it would start raising it up from April 2010 affecting women born April 1950. It would be equalised to 65 by April 2020 the deadline we were given by the EU to equalise. I fail to understand how women did not know about it.
What was wrong was the coalition rising the age from both sexes from 65 to 66 between 2018 to 2020.
Even for those who did know (and many did not, including women who worked at the DWP), the evidence shows that the Government had no proper communication strategy. They were warned but chose to do nothing. And then the Coalition Govt accelerated the timetable whilst adding an extra year to the SP age, as you said. For many, that was the first they knew about ANY change. Moreover, the EU did not order this to happen. Social security matters are for the member states to decide. It was set as an ‘aspiration’ not a legal requirement. Our Govt seized on it as a money-saving measure and chose the brutal implementation process we’re discussing. WASPI women don’t object to equalisation but to the appalling way it’s been done.
Christine Warburton hopefully something will be done for us in Rochdale Manchester soon not good enough all these years will be the happy lady in the world
Yes we 1950S WOMEN HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH.
I work from 15 year of age and did 50 years working.I did not know of the change until I was 60 it a disgrace when I found out I had to work another six years before I could retired.I lost six years of my state pension it alright when the government say you need 35 year to get a full state pension.but I did not get a full state pension because I was contracted out I would like to know what happened to the other 15 years.it just NOT fear for anyone who was born in the 1950 it a disgrace.
You wanted equal rights to men and you got it, and it was published about it in the 1990 on TV and news programs as well as letter’s…….
I have just turned 65 years old I have brought 3 children up on my own . I worked hard for my family. Last year I had cancer after everything I went back to work I was there for a week then I had a major heart attack I died twice. I’m still working a lot of people would have Finnish work ! . I can’t afford to give work up they should of left retiring age at 60 for woman and brought the man’s age down. Don’t you think life’s too short
I agree I worked from my 15th birthday till 2017 I looked after my partner with cancer till boxing day he died 2 days later I get finished from work through I’ll health but struggling is hard I’m 67 now and got my pension last Yr it’s so unfair
I am one of the women born in the fifties.
We entered into a contract when on leaving school and starting to work if we paid 35 years NI we would get our state pension at 60.The government broke this contract.They are crooks.
Who is answering these questions and repeating the same answer. To me you seem to only know a little bit about this. You either a young person who not done a day work in your life or rather a stupid one. I too had to work till I was 66. I never had children, so I never took anything out the system. They did rob people from the 50,s and it was not published nor letters sent out. Has for equal rights we still fighting for that. There still issues in this country where equality is not happening. But I suppose you going to answer with but it was published in 1990. . You either have to catch up with your education or learning about the woman of the 50,s. Perhaps the government should be checking you out to see if you able to work.
I think it should have been a matter of choice .If wo.en wish to take their pensions at 60 they should be allowed to.If they choose to carry on working that also should be a matter of choice. I have also worked all my life and now have to wait for my pension.
I’m also one of these women born in 1958 and having to work till 66. Like a lot of other people am struggling to pay for every day items and had to use credit card,s to get by