£10,000 for 1950s-Born Women: SNP's Compensation Plan Explained

SNP’s Compensation Plan Explained: The £10,000 compensation plan for 1950s-born women proposed by the Scottish National Party (SNP) has reignited national debate over state pension inequality. At the heart of this issue are millions of women—commonly known as WASPI women (Women Against State Pension Inequality)—who argue they were unfairly impacted by changes to the UK state pension age. Many claim they were not given adequate notice, causing significant financial and emotional distress during retirement.

These women, born between April 6, 1950 and April 5, 1960, saw their state pension age rise from 60 to 65 as part of efforts to equalize it with men. The rapid transition, combined with poor communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), left many unprepared.

SNP’s Compensation Plan Explained

Topic	Details
Compensation Proposal	SNP proposes £10,000 per eligible woman
Affected Group	Women born between April 6, 1950 – April 5, 1960
Number of Women Affected	Approx. 3.8 million
Findings of PHSO	DWP committed maladministration in informing changes
Estimated Compensation Cost	£3.5 billion – £10.5 billion
Government’s Stance	Labour-led government rejects blanket compensation
Official Source	PHSO report on WASPI

The SNP’s £10,000 compensation plan for 1950s-born women is more than just a political proposal – it represents recognition of the hardship endured by millions of British women. While the government currently resists large-scale payouts, the momentum behind the WASPI movement shows no signs of slowing. For many, this isn’t just about money – it’s about fairness, dignity, and accountability.

What Is the WASPI Campaign About?

The WASPI movement, formed in 2015, represents millions of women born in the 1950s who say they were blindsided by state pension age reforms. While they support equalisation in principle, their objection is not to the change itself, but how it was communicated and implemented.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) agreed, finding that the DWP failed to provide sufficient notice. Some women discovered the delay in receiving their pension just months before turning 60, upending their retirement plans and forcing many to continue working or rely on savings and benefits.

A Look at the SNP’s Compensation Plan

In response to the PHSO’s ruling, SNP MP Alan Brown tabled a motion in Parliament seeking to compensate each affected woman with at least £10,000. Brown argues this figure better reflects the scale of financial hardship caused, surpassing the £2,950 maximum suggested by the PHSO.

How Would the Compensation Be Funded?

To fund the proposal, the SNP has suggested:

Reforming capital gains tax to close wealth inequality gaps
Eliminating non-dom tax status, which allows wealthy individuals to avoid UK tax on overseas income

These reforms, the SNP argues, would help generate the billions required without overburdening the average taxpayer.

The Government’s Rebuttal

Despite the PHSO’s findings and growing public support, the Labour-led UK government has rejected the compensation plan. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has stated that the majority of women were, in fact, aware of the changes, and that compensation on such a scale would cost up to £10.5 billion — a figure deemed unsustainable by the Treasury.

Kendall also emphasized that early notice would not have significantly altered most women’s circumstances. This reasoning, however, has drawn strong criticism from WASPI campaigners and opposition parties.

Political Fallout and Cross-Party Tensions

The government’s stance has triggered considerable backlash:

Up to 100 Labour MPs are reportedly considering defying the party line if a vote is tabled
The Liberal Democrats and SNP have condemned the government’s decision, calling it a betrayal of justice

The WASPI campaign group has also hinted at potential legal action if compensation remains off the table.

Real-Life Impact: Stories Behind the Statistics

To truly understand the effect, consider women like:

Susan, 63, who had to cancel early retirement plans and take up part-time work
Linda, 66, who relied on food banks after her pension was delayed
Anita, 70, who depleted her entire savings expecting her pension at 60

These are not isolated cases. According to campaigners, many women suffered financial ruin, mental health challenges, and even lost homes due to the lack of clear communication.

Practical Advice for Affected Women

If you were born in the 1950s and think you’ve been affected:

Visit the official WASPI website (waspi.co.uk)
Check your pension age at the Gov.uk State Pension Calculator
Review the PHSO findings on the official Ombudsman site
Join support groups or legal forums to stay updated
Reach out to your MP to express support for compensation efforts

What Happens Next?

Though the official government position remains unchanged, pressure is mounting. With the PHSO expected to publish further stages of its investigation and possible motions in Parliament, the debate is far from over.

The WASPI campaign remains active, urging those affected to keep the pressure on policymakers. Petitions, social media campaigns, and community support continue to grow.

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FAQs on SNP’s Compensation Plan Explained

Who exactly qualifies as a WASPI woman?

Women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960, affected by the accelerated rise in state pension age.

Will every WASPI woman receive £10,000?

Not yet. The SNP has proposed this amount, but the UK government has not approved any compensation beyond the PHSO’s suggestion of up to £2,950.

What was the role of the PHSO?

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman investigated complaints and found that the DWP committed maladministration in failing to properly inform affected women.