Polling shows that 66% of voters aged between 18 and 34 believe that millions of 1950s-born women affected by DWP maladministration should be awarded payouts
00:01, 10 Jan 2026Updated 07:43, 11 Jan 2026
Two thirds of young voters believe the Government should pay compensation to WASPI women, new polling shows.
The campaign says there is overwhelming support for its demands among 18-34 year olds, with 66% saying over three million 1950s-born women should get payouts. WASPI chair Angela Madden warned ministers they are in the "last chance saloon" to deliver justice.
Next month supporters will learn if the Government will change its mind on refusing compensation after new evidence came to light. Mrs Madden said: "These findings prove that younger people understand the importance of justice and fairness across generations.
"They recognise that when the state fails its citizens through maladministration, it must put things right, regardless of age. The overwhelming support from 18-34 year-olds shows they won't accept a society where governments can simply ignore independent watchdogs and deny compensation to those who've been wronged."
The survey of 2,095 adults, carried out by Yonder, found 53% of 18-34 year-olds believe the Government should hold a debate and vote on whether compensation should be paid. And 77% said people affected by maladministration should be able to receive redress without having to take legal action.
The Government is under pressure to reverse its decision not to award compensation of £1,000 to £2,950 to 3.6million women. WASPI had been set for a court clash at the start of December demanding a judicial review - but legal action is on hold pending the outcome of the latest review.
Mrs Madden, 71, said nothing short of a compensation scheme will suffice. She said: "This really is crunch time. We need every MP making it clear that ministers are in the last chance saloon.
"If they again ignore the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s recommendations, they risk a humiliating tsunami of national outrage and further legal action.”
Campaigners have raised more than £250,000 to fund their legal challenge. Failures at the DWP meant the decision to increase the state pension age for women was not properly communicated. The worst-affected were plunged into poverty after being unable to plan for the future as a result.
These women were impacted by their state pension age increasing from 60 to 65 and then 66. A DWP spokesperson said: "Last month we committed to retake the decision and as set out, we will do so within 3 months.
“This should not be taken as an indication that Government will necessarily decide that it should award financial compensation.”