I am concerned about the effect of State Pension Age (SPA) equalisation and the accelerated timescale in the Pensions Act 2011 producing considerable hardship for many women.

I note the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found in July 2021 that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to communicate “with enough urgency” the changes that have left many women waiting up to six years longer for their state pension. The PHSO concluded that the DWP “should have written to the women affected at least 28 months earlier than it did”.

In an update issued on 3 April 2023, the PHSO stated that it had intended to publish its final report into the DWP’s handling of SPA equalisation in March 2023. In the meantime, however, a legal challenge has been brought against it over its handling of this issue. I note that the PHSO has therefore agreed to look again at part of its prior findings. The publication of its final findings will be delayed while this takes place.

The PHSO has been clear that it cannot restore the situation before 2011 or require the DWP to reimburse the full amount of State Pension had the women’s SPA not changed. I recognise this may disappoint you, however the PHSO has not ruled out recommending the DWP pay out some compensation. This is because when the PHSO finds an injustice was suffered as result of maladministration, it can make recommendations which might include compensation. This is partly determined by reference to its so-called “Severity of Injustice scale” and by taking account of relevant precedents. The Severity of Injustice scale contains six different levels of injustice that a complaint could fall into. Each level includes a range of compensation. As an example, compensation for a Level 3 injustice would fall within a band of £500 to £950.

I will continue to follow developments in this area closely. More widely, I believe everyone should have clear, transparent information about what their pension entitlement is and how they can successfully plan for their future and organise their own lives and finances.