State pension increase protest group grows

PROTESTING female pensioners who have formed a group against the state pension increase are urging new members to join their meetings.

WASPI, or Women Against State Pension Increase, is a nationwide campaigning group which aims to raise women’s awareness of the increase in state pension age.

The local WASPI group meets every Tuesday at the Red Cow at Leicester Forest East, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday April 11 at 2pm.

The group recently met with the Deputy Mayor of Leicester City Council, as well as Councillor Sue Waddington. They have also received the backing of Leicester City Council and the Mayor Peter Soulsby.

At least 2.6 million women are affected by the rules in the UK, which has seen the pension age raised from 62 to 65 and a half.

Pauline Goom, from Enderby, is one of the women affected by the changes, and said the group is continuing to grow.

She told The Hinckley Times: “The government changed the goal posts twice in my case.

“First they changed it to 62, which I could live with, as it is a fact people are living longer.

“I have a friend born in March 1953 who received her pension last March aged 63. I was born in March 1954 and I will not receive my pension until September 2019 aged 65 and a half, so one year has made an extra two and a half years difference to me.”

If you are interested in becoming part of the group, email Pauline at waspihinckleynuneaton@outlook. com