The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) said the latest decision showed “utter contempt” for those affected. In 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 for affected women, after finding maladministration in how changes were communicated. While the Ombudsman can make recommendations, it cannot compel the government to act, and ministers previously rejected the proposal. However, McFadden said ministers also agreed with the Ombudsman’s earlier conclusion that the delay did not result in “direct financial loss”. Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson Steve Darling said affected women would feel “utterly betrayed”.