THE STROUD MP met with campaigners from the area who are still fighting for historic injustices. 

Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) advocate for support for women born in the 1950s who they say were not adequately informed about changes to the state pension, causing them to suffer financial hardship with not enough time to replan for retirement.

A report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found that affected women should have had at least 28 months’ more individual notice of the changes by the Department for Work and Pensions

Dr Simon Opher met with campaigners from the Stroud group who say they were delighted to see him take part in a drop-in information session for new MPs held at Westminster last month. 

In March this year, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman published their final report into changes to women’s state pension age.

It announced that the Department for Work and Pensions was guilty of maladministration, having failed to provide proper information to 1950s women about delays to their State Pension age and that the women involved therefore suffered injustice and should receive compensation.

Elizabeth Stanley, co-ordinator of Stroud District Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI), said: "It was great be at the drop-in and see our local MP among the 130 plus who attended the session.

"Simon clearly recognises the injustice we suffered and I'm sure he will do all he can in Parliament to see that we get compensation as recommended by the Ombudsman.”

Hilary Simpson, WASPI National Chair, added: "The drop-in session was a resounding success, with a record number of MPs attending.

"We were delighted to be able to speak to them individually, answer their questions and make sure they are fully aware of the need for progress to be made on compensation as quickly as possible following the publication of the Ombudsman’s report almost six months ago.”

Simon Opher said: "I fully support the WASPI claim and believe we must follow the advice of the independent Ombudsman in this case.

"We must always do what is fair and just."

Stroud District WASPI can be contacted by emailing strouddistrictwaspi@gmail.com