The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has responded to recommendations made following our investigation into DWP's communication of changes to women's State Pension age.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said:
‘The Government’s apology to the women affected by its failure to communicate about State Pension age changes is very significant and it is sad that women had to wait so long to hear it – sadder still that for many it came too late. I welcome the Government’s recognition that mistakes were made, and the commitment from the Secretary of State to make sure this never happens again. We look forward to hearing more about the action plan to take this work forward and we are ready to work with the Government to support change.
‘However, the Government’s decision not to accept our recommendations in full is disappointing and will have been hard for the women to hear.
‘Our role as a Parliamentary body is to support Parliament to hold the Government to account. Throughout this investigation, DWP indicated it would not comply with our recommendations and that is why, nine months ago, we asked Parliament to intervene.’