A motion noted the findings from the UK Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) final report into the women’s state pension age and associated issues.

The motion states: “Council acknowledges the PHSO has confirmed that women affected are owed compensation on the grounds of maladministration by the DWP, as the state pension age changes were not adequately communicated to the women affected.”

“Council notes that the report finds that many 1950s-born women have experienced financial loss and a negative impact on their health, and emotional wellbeing. Here in South Lanarkshire, it is estimated that over 14,000 women have been affected by this injustice.

“PHSO, Chief Executive Rebecca Hilsenrath has shared her “significant concerns” that the DWP will fail to act on its findings and in turn the PHSO has asked the UK Parliament to intervene and to identify a way to provide appropriate remedy.

“The ruling by the PHSO is vindication of the tireless efforts of the WASPI campaigners including groups here in South Lanarkshire and the injustice that has been served by successive UK Governments, this has not only had a profound effect on the individuals but also on the wider community in South Lanarkshire.

“Council fully supports the WASPI campaign and calls for a swift resolution to this ongoing injustice.

“Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to reiterate the need for the UK Government and Parliament to act swiftly and to set up a fair compensation scheme in order to resolve this injustice.”

The motion was proposed by Councillor Carol Nugent, seconded by Councillor Janine Calikes and was approved unanimously.