Overview

• The High Court approved a costs capping order that limits WASPI’s liability for DWP defence costs to £60,000 and caps the government’s contribution to campaigners’ fees at £90,000.
• The ruling clears the way for a judicial review challenging the government’s refusal to compensate 3.6 million women born in the 1950s who faced accelerated pension age rises.
• A Commons debate on a motion for financial redress is set for July 3 after the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found maladministration by the DWP in notifying affected women.
• WASPI chair Angela Madden said the cap removed the threat of financial ruin but urged supporters to sustain crowdfunding efforts to cover ongoing legal expenses.
• Last year’s ombudsman report recommended payouts of £1,000 to £2,950 per woman, but ministers rejected compensation in December citing a potential £10.5 billion cost.