Scotland’s women have been swindled by Westminster pension injustice
Scottish pensioners already face one of the lowest state pensions in the developed world. But the Waspi women (Women against state pension inequality) have suffered pension injustice that means they were short-changed on even that.
If Scotland were an independent country, it could model its pension provision on a country like Denmark and offer a Wellbeing Pension, set at the level required to sustain a life of dignity, where every older person can afford the basic necessities of life. But only with the powers of independence can Scotland take control over this.
Sadly, the UK government has refused to pay these women even the small sum in compensation that the UK Parliamentary watchdog said they should receive. This refusal has led to anger from the WASPI campaign group. They have raised £130,000 so far in a crowdfunder to seek a judicial review of the UK government’s decision.
Angela Madden, the group’s chair said: “The Government has accepted that 1950s-born women are victims of maladministration, but it now says none of us suffered any injustice. We believe this is not only an outrage but legally wrong.”
The Government is due to reply to their request for a review next week – ironically just after International Women’s Day.