Sidmouth protesters among those arguing against ‘draconian’ changes that they say have ‘left retirement plans in tatters’
Sidmouth campaigners will be taking their fight to Westminster once more in a bid to make the Government rethink ‘draconian’ changes to the state pension.
East Devon members of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) are encouraging supporters to join them in protest at increases to the pensionable age that they say have ‘left retirement plans in tatters’.
The group argues the Government’s ‘unjust’ implementation of changes to state pensions disproportionately affects women born in the 1950s – with individual losses of up to £42,000 reported.
Campaigners say they are not opposed to bringing women’s state pension age into line with men’s, but object to the ‘draconian’ way it has been implemented - with many of those affected saying they were not informed and had no chance to plan.
Sidmouth’s Julie Davies and Jenny Velterop have met with their MP Sir Hugo Swire to argue their cause and say support is gradually building as more families are hit by the changes.
They are urging people to join them in a national protest outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, March 8.
East Devon group coordinator Sandra Broadbent added: “We are encouraging as many women as possible, plus their partners, family and friends, to join us on the day.”
WASPI says the changes were first outlined under the 1995 Pensions Act, yet some of the women affected were not notified for up to 17 years later.
They are calling on the Government to provide relief for those women who have seen their state pension ages rise twice, taking it from 60 to 66, with little time to prepare or make alternative financial arrangements.
Their plight has been branded a ‘grave injustice to women’ and gained support from both East Devon District Council and Devon County Council.
A coach is leaving from Devon for the March 8, protest. For more information, or to book, email devonwaspiladies@gmail.com or visit: www.waspi.co.uk.
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