Campaigners have condemned the government’s rejection of compensation for women impacted by changes to the state pension age. The adjustments, which aligned the pension age for women with that of men, affected 3.6 million women born in the 1950s, many of whom claim they were not properly informed.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall apologized for a 28-month delay in sending letters but rejected financial payouts. This follows a parliamentary ombudsman’s recommendation for compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 for those affected. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group, which had advocated for at least £10,000 per person, called the decision “insulting.”

Kendall argued that the majority of women were aware of the pension age increase and that the delay did not prevent them from making retirement plans. She also stated that there was no evidence of direct financial loss, adding that paying compensation would cost taxpayers up to £10.5 billion.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed understanding for the women’s concerns but emphasized the need to consider the financial impact on taxpayers.