Labor to review Waspi compensation in ‘future’, minister says

In March, the PHSO recommended compensation payouts between £1,000 and £2,950 and blamed the issue on “maladministration” by the DWP.

A month before the General Election, Ms Reeves admitted she had not set out any money for Waspi compensation. Campaigners accused the party of “betraying” the women affected.

The issue failed to make the Budget on Wednesday, despite thousands of women protesting outside Parliament during the Chancellor’s speech.

Compensation for those affected by the Post Office and infected blood scandals, plus a review into the loan charge scandal were confirmed.

Another 25,000 women have died waiting for compensation since the Ombudsman’s report was released, according to the Waspi campaign.

Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, welcomed the update but said questions should be asked about the time it was taking to resolve the issue.

She said: “The Government was right to announce compensation for victims of the infected blood and Post Office scandals in the Budget. However, Waspi women are also right to question why they are still awaiting justice after nine long years of campaigning.

“We can see that ministers are taking this report seriously and look forward to seeing what proposals they bring before MPs as quickly as possible.”

In July, the campaign warned new MPs in July that theirs pre-election promises of support would not be forgotten.

Christine Smith, Waspi’s Wear and Tees campaign coordinator, said that 65,000 North East women were affected and the current Government was not acting quickly enough.

She said: “A lot of women had already retired to care for their elderly parents or grandchildren. It’s devastating for the whole family. It affects men as well, they’re having to work longer. When women leave, it’s harder to get back into the workplace.

“Up here it’s been particularly devastating. Women have lost their homes, got themselves into debt, can’t get a job. The first retirement act was in 1995. If the Government had told us then, we could have planned ahead. We have never said we disagree with equalisation.

“It makes me pretty angry on account that (Labour) already had a (compensation) plan in place from 2019. I can’t understand why this administration is dithering about. The Labor party promised Waspi women they would see justice. Get on with it.”