Overview

This bill mandates the UK government to publish proposals for compensating women affected by increases to the State Pension age, as recommended by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). It requires the government to address the PHSO's findings of injustice and improve communication regarding pension changes.

Description

The bill compels the Secretary of State to present to Parliament, within three months of the bill's passage, detailed proposals addressing the PHSO's report on State Pension age injustices. These proposals must include:

• A mechanism to provide redress to affected women, including an apology and acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
• Improved communication strategies from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about pensionable age, qualifying years, and pension system administration.
• Measures to prevent similar administrative failings in the future.
• A comprehensive compensation scheme for women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 impacted by State Pension age increases. This scheme's proposals must detail eligibility criteria, compensation amounts, administrative processes, and payment timelines, considering the PHSO's injustice severity scale.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify the exact cost of the compensation scheme. The financial implications will depend on the details of the scheme, including the number of eligible women and the compensation amounts decided upon. The cost is expected to be substantial, potentially running into billions of pounds.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960: These women are the primary beneficiaries, potentially receiving compensation for the increased State Pension age.
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): The DWP will be responsible for implementing the proposed changes, including developing and administering the compensation scheme and improving its communication practices.
• UK Taxpayers: The cost of the compensation scheme will ultimately be borne by UK taxpayers.

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