An MP backing the WASPI campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality) has demanded that MPs get to debate and vote in the issue in Parliament. Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain has written to Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, urging the Government to set out a “fair and transparent” compensation scheme for the generation of 1950s-born women represented by WASPI and other groups.

The Liberal Democrats have consistently supported compensation for the women, along with other political parties such as the Green Party and the SNP. The DWP announced last year there would be no payouts but WASPI has applied for a judicial review of this decision, which will take place in December.

In her letter, Ms Chamberlain urged the Government to start “discussions with WASPI representatives to agree an out-of-court resolution”. She also said there should be a “fair and transparent compensation scheme in line with the PHSO’s recommendation in the Budget”.

She also said MPs should have a say on the matter, urging Labour to “allow Parliament the opportunity to debate and vote on the issue so that all MPs can represent the voices of their constituents”.

What is the WASPI debate about?

The WASPI campaign represents women born in the 1950s who were affected by their state pension age increasing up from 60 to 65. They claim the DWP did not properly inform the women of the change, with many unaware they would have to wait several more years for their state pension, ruining their retirement plans.

A report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, with the group finding the DWP made major mistakes, as they should have sent out letters sooner. The Ombudsman also called for Parliament to take up the matter and come up with a resolution.

But the Government announced last year there would be no compensation. Ministers argued that most of the women did know of the change and that sending out letters sooner would have had little impact.

WASPI is now hoping this decision will be overturned at judicial review at the high court. This is timetabled for December 9 and 10.

A DWP spokesperson said previously about the judicial review: “We do not comment on live litigation. We accept the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologised for there being a 28-month delay in writing to 1950s-born women.

“However, we do not agree with the Ombudsman’s approach to injustice or remedy and that is why we have decided not to pay compensation.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present her Autumn Budget before Parliament on November 26.