Plaid Cymru has said that ensuring compensation for women
hit by changes in the state pension age will be a priority after
the General Election, after both Labour and the Conservatives
were accused of abandoning them.
The campaign group Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI)
has been pressing for compensation for women, born in the 1950s,
who have been short-changed by thousands of pounds by changes to
their pension entitlements.
Neither the Conservative or Labour election manifestos launched
this week contained commitments to fully compensate women,
despite the Department of Work and Pensions being found guilty of
maladministration in failing to notify them properly of changes
to their pensions.
Plaid Cymru's manifesto supports compensation payments of between
£3000 and £9950 for women affected.
Meeting WASPI campaigners in Newcastle Emlyn, Plaid Cymru
candidate for Ceredigion Preseli Lake said;
"Plaid Cymru has long supported WASPI in its fight for
compensation for women born in the 1950s.
"The UK Government has been found to have acted unfairly in not
notifying women properly of changes to their pensions. It's
disappointing that that neither Labour or the Tories are willing
to right this wrong if they're voted into power on July 4.
"I'm proud that Plaid Cymru's manifesto, launched this week, had
a crystal-clear commitment to providing compensation for women
who have been seriously affected financially by this scandal.
"These women have suffered years of injustice, and yet the two
major parties continue to deny rightful compensation.
"This affects thousands of women in every constituency in Wales.
The pensions they expected to receive when they turned 60 simply
weren't there.
"Plaid Cymru candidates will stand with these women as they
continue to fight for justice, and put pressure on whoever forms
the next government in Westminster."
