Andy Burnham rules out paying compensation to Waspi women
Summary
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, said he will not pay direct compensation to Waspi women who were affected by changes to the state pension age. Instead, he is open to offering other benefits like cheaper transport to support these women.Key Facts
- Waspi women are those born in the 1950s who lost pension benefits due to changes in the state pension age.
- Burnham initially supported compensation but reversed this after concerns about the high cost.
- The government said compensating all affected women could cost up to £10.3 billion.
- A parliamentary ombudsman recommended compensation in March 2024, but the government refused to pay.
- Burnham wants to provide other benefits, such as early access to concessionary travel in Greater Manchester.
- Waspi campaigners say many women were not properly informed about pension age changes.
- The pension age was increased from 60 to 65, then 66, faster than originally planned.
- Labour MPs, including Burnham, have supported the Waspi campaign even though compensation is not in the Labour manifesto.
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