‘I feel robbed and angry’ about state pension changes
Emotions run high at West Lothian campaigners’meeting
Pension equality campaigners gathered last week to offer information about possible compensation to West Lothian women.
The Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) West Lothian Group held a drop-in session for local women affected by the change in state pension age, following the call for compensation from the UK Government.
It comes after the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) finding of maladministration within the Department for Work and Pensions( DWP).
The event was well attended by WASPI members, women in West Lothian area born in the 1950s and a number of cross party representatives including Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston, and West Lothian councillors Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Kirsteen Sullivan, Maria McAulay, Moira Shemilt, Janet Campbell and Tom Ullathorne.
Carla O’Hara, co-ordinator of WASPI West Lothian, said the group was pleased to be able to provide an update and information to those affected following the recent ruling by the PHSO.
She continued: “This affects a huge number of women in the area, many of whom may still be unaware of the call for compensation from the UK Government and what this means for them.”
Margaret Hunter, a WASPI West Lothian member, said she had felt “robbed and angry” when the changes to pension age were made with no warning or consultation.
She continued: “For over 20 years I worked night shifts as part of NHS community services.
“It was an extremely rewarding job but one which I knew would take its toll over time. Like many 1950s women I made major life decisions based on retiring at 60 – and now I feel robbed and angry that a significant change in State Pension age was made without any warning or communication.”
As part of the event, attendees were given the opportunity to sign a petition to the UK Government
on a roll of wallpaper – a reference to the refurbishment of 10 Downing Street.
Ms Bardell said: “It was a really moving and emotional event where women shared personal experiences and the impact the changes in state pension age have made to their lives.
“The event was a powerful call to action as part of the campaign for justice which is now six years strong. The message to the UK Government was clear – don’t ignore us as we are not going away.”
Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan said: “The PHSO’s recent findings have offered a ray of light to WASPI women throughout the UK.
“They have been resolute in their determination to keep the issue not only in the public eye but also in the eye of decision makers, and the process must now move swiftly towards a conclusion and a just resolution for the women affected, including the 6,700 WASPI women in West Lothian.
“I’d like to thank WASPI West Lothian for their persistence and invaluable support to local women whose lives have been significantly impacted by the changes.”
Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick added: “WASPI West Lothian are doing a tremendous job keeping this gross injustice in the public eye.
“The UK Government should without hesitation agree a proper form of compensation for these unfortunate women who unwittingly retired not aware that their state pension entitlement had been significantly deferred.”
If you have been affected by the change in state pension age you can contact WASPI West Lothian on waspiwestlothian@gmail.com.