The fight for justice continues for the thousands of women affected by the changes to the state pension age – known collectively as the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign. Thanks to overwhelming public support, the group behind the legal challenge has now surpassed its initial stretch goal of £180,000 in fundraising. With fresh momentum, they’ve taken their case to the High Court and are now raising their target to £230,000 to strengthen their legal footing and ensure fair protection against costs.
This judicial review challenges how the UK Government and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) have handled the concept of ‘injustice’ regarding the way pension changes were communicated – or rather, not communicated – to millions of women born in the 1950s.
A Breakdown of Progress So Far
Here’s what the WASPI campaign has accomplished with your donations so far:
| Action Taken | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-tier legal team hired | Barristers from Blackstone Chambers and solicitors from Bindmans are representing the cause. |
| “Letter before claim” sent | A crucial first legal step was taken to formally challenge the Government. |
| Legal advice reassessed | After receiving the Government’s response, the legal team gave the go-ahead for full proceedings. |
| Judicial Review filed | The claim is officially lodged with the High Court, marking a major legal milestone. |
| Costs considered | A portion of funds has been set aside in case the case is lost and Government costs must be paid. |
| Costs Capping Order applied for | This order helps limit financial risk if the case doesn’t succeed. |
| Transparency promised | Legal reasoning has been published, although the Government is restricting the release of their full response. |
Why the Goal Is Now £230,000
Litigation, especially against a government body, is notoriously expensive. The legal system also considers the campaign’s financial standing when deciding if a costs capping order should be granted – a critical move to protect campaigners from potentially ruinous costs if they lose.
Raising the goal to £230,000 is both a safeguard and a strategy:
- Safeguard: To cover any adverse costs that might be imposed if the case fails.
- Strategy: To demonstrate strong backing and financial preparedness, which may positively influence the Court’s cost cap decisions.
The Core of the Legal Argument
This isn’t just about compensation. At its heart, the case is about fairness, recognition, and accountability.
The legal team is challenging the PHSO’s interpretation of ‘injustice’ – arguing that the way the Government communicated changes to the state pension age was not only inadequate but also deeply unfair to millions of women. The fight is to get this wrong corrected through judicial oversight.
Public Reaction: Frustration, Hope, and Unity
The voices of those affected reveal just how deeply this injustice runs. Many women express frustration at being offered a flat payment of around £2,950 – a figure many see as a mere token after losing tens of thousands in expected pension income.
Some have pointed out the heart-breaking truth: many women have already died without receiving justice. Others have suffered severe health conditions or financial hardship due to delays.
“They owe me over £60,000. They want us to accept £2,950. Hang your heads in shame.”
“Why can they raise funds for others but not for us women who paid into this system from the age of 16?”
These stories highlight the emotional toll of the pension changes and the collective call for real compensation – not symbolic payouts.
What’s Next?
The case has now moved to the High Court stage, and the legal team is waiting for a formal Government response. Meanwhile, the campaign continues to push for transparency and public release of all documents – including those the Government is currently blocking.
Every donation, every share, and every voice adds momentum to this fight. You can contribute by:
- Donating to the CrowdJustice campaign (if you haven’t already),
- Sharing the appeal with your network,
- Staying informed and engaged as new legal updates come through.
The battle is far from over, but progress is being made step by step.
FAQs
What is the WASPI campaign about?
It stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality. The group campaigns for fair compensation for women affected by the rapid increase in the state pension age, which was poorly communicated.
Why is a legal case necessary?
The legal route is being used to challenge how the PHSO and the Government have defined and handled the concept of ‘injustice’ regarding pension age changes.
What is a judicial review?
It’s a legal process where the High Court reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action taken by a public body—in this case, how the PHSO and the Government treated the WASPI women.
Why does the campaign need more funds?
Legal battles are expensive. Additional funds help ensure the team is protected financially, especially if they lose and are ordered to pay the Government’s legal costs.
Will compensation increase beyond £2,950?
That’s what the campaign is fighting for. Many argue that the proposed amount is far too low and doesn’t reflect the losses suffered.
