SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has criticised the UK Government for backtracking on promises to deliver compensation for 
Women.
He was speaking after an announcement that women would not be compensated for poor communication of changes to women’s pensions despite the findings of the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Women affected by the Pensions Act have campaigned relentlessly for years and were given some hope by the long-awaited Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report, having been fobbed off for so long by the last Government.
“Women consistently carry a disproportionate burden of austerity and that generation in particular fell further behind their male counterparts in wage growth, rates of occupational pensions and financial security in retirement.
“These factors, plus the finding of maladministration, clearly merited recognition by the current Government and this decision will come as a real blow.
“Labour has made multiple promises to provide full compensation, so their recent U-turn on this is hard to understand, especially in the context of winter fuel cuts.”
He added: “In 2012, the SDLP, along with Steven Agnew of the Greens, were the only parties to oppose the rubber-stamping of this unjust policy and sought to protect women here.
“And while, I appreciate that the sums involved are very large, there is a definite injustice experienced by a significant number and a blanket refusal to redress is not acceptable. This is a wrong that must be righted.
“This decision will force Waspi women back to the courts and the SDLP will continue to support them in their quest for fairness for those who have experienced real hardship due to the handling of this change.”
