16 May 2024 , 10:18
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WASPI campaigners say they fear a crucial bill outlining compensation plans could get delayed again this week.
Alan Brown MP, who was set to present the State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill last month, had to delay it due to concerns there wouldn't be enough time for debate, as it was placed low on the order paper. It is now due for its second reading tomorrow (May 17).
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign chair Angela Madden expressed her worries to Express.co.uk, saying: "We're really not sure it will get a second reading. It depends how far down the order paper it is on Friday."
She added with a note of pessimism: "But it's unlikely that that will actually get a second reading unfortunately, because the Government debates come first." Madden highlighted the slim chances of the bill being read, saying: "I think it will be too far down, it was tenth on the order paper last time, it didn't stand a chance. If it's not in the top three or four, it won't have a chance, because business finishes on Friday lunchtime anyway."
Despite the gloomy outlook, Madden remains hopeful, stating: "Our expectation is that it won't see the light of day. But the bill is there, it's written, it's drafted, it can be picked up." The State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill aims to establish a compensation framework for WASPI women affected by the increase in state pension age. The proposed scheme suggests compensating those who had to wait an additional three to five years with amounts ranging from £3,000 to £9,950, in line with Level 5 of the PHSO's compensation banding.
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WASPI women who have been forced to wait an extra five or six years could receive a £10,000 payout under new proposals. Ms Madden has also highlighted the urgent need for Government intervention to advance the WASPI campaign.
She emphasised: "Until the Government sponsors a debate, it's unlikely that anything is going to happen. That's why we're pressing so hard for it. We are getting quite a lot of backing from MPs." Mr Brown expressed his frustration with the current system, saying: "It is hugely frustrating how it works on a private members day, but the Government whips pretty much decide who will get an airing on the day."
"As we have seen in the past, they will filibuster to stop progress of bills. It's a system that needs overhauled so we can have more debates on bills that the public have an interest in." He also lamented the potential for setbacks on May 17th: "May the 17th has the same risks that I will not get any debate time which is hugely frustrating."