It was a pleasure to host a public meeting with the local Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners – Marjorie Eley and Frances McCann. WASPI represents women born in the early 1950s who expected to draw their state pension aged 60 but are now concerned they will have to wait until they are 65 or 66.

The Government’s decision to accelerate the rise in the women’s state pension age has had a devastating impact on many women, some of whom are now facing hardship and destitution as a result. The 3.8 million women (including thousands in Edinburgh South) affected did not have fair notification of the changes and they deserve recognition for this injustice and transitional protections.

Unfortunately, the Government has said that it will not revisit the state pension age arrangements for women born in the 1950s. However as we discussed on the night, a High Court judge recently granted a judicial review to determine whether increases to the women’s state pension age have been lawful. The case is expected to be heard in the summer.

We also discussed the complaints process that many affected women are going through. This process has been frozen by the DWP pending the Judicial Review however if you have not already done so I recommend you start the process now. You can find more information on how to complain here.

If you have been affected join the campaign by visiting the Edinburgh South WASPI Facebook page here.