Campaigners in west Wales accuse ministers of discrimination after Ombudsman findings rejected

WOMEN born in the 1950s across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire are threatening legal action after the UK Government refused to pay compensation despite accepting maladministration in pension age communications.

The controversy follows a decision by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden MP, to reject recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which had investigated delays in notifying women about increases to the State Pension age.

In a letter sent to all MPs on January 29, the Secretary of State accepted that government failings caused a 28-month delay in sending letters to affected women but concluded that compensation would not be appropriate. He argued that most women were already aware that the State Pension age was rising and that there was no direct financial loss caused by the delay.

The Government also cited the projected cost of a compensation scheme — estimated at up to £10.3 billion — as part of its reasoning.

However, campaigners say the decision is unlawful and discriminatory.

Jackie Gilderdale, organiser for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West 1950s Women of Wales, has written to local MP Henry Tufnell calling for the decision to be suspended and for independent mediation between ministers and campaign groups.

She said the Government had accepted wrongdoing but refused to remedy the consequences.

Campaigners argue that many women lost opportunities to plan financially for retirement due to the communication failures, particularly those with lower incomes, caring responsibilities or interrupted employment histories.

The letter claims the decision breaches equality law and administrative justice principles, and could be challenged through judicial review or other legal action.

It also raises concerns about consultation, alleging ministers relied on engagement with a single organisation representing only a small proportion of affected women rather than recognised campaign groups.

The dispute forms part of a long-running national controversy over pension age changes affecting women born in the 1950s, often associated with the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) movement.

The Ombudsman’s investigation, published in March 2024 after six years of work, found maladministration in the Department for Work and Pensions’ communication strategy and recommended a compensation framework.

While accepting fault, the Government maintains that the injustice threshold for compensation was not met.

Campaigners disagree, arguing that loss of opportunity — such as the chance to remain in work or adjust savings — constitutes a real and compensable harm.

A parliamentary petition calling for mediation between ministers and affected women has already attracted more than 60,000 signatures.

MUSIC lovers in Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy a special lunchtime concert at St Davids Cathedral later this month, with proceeds supporting the Paul Sartori Foundation’s hospice-at-home services.

The event, hosted by Totally Vocal Pembrokeshire, will take place on Saturday (Feb 21) at 1:00pm and will bring together local singing groups in the cathedral’s historic setting. The concert will also feature internationally renowned a cappella leader Deke Sharon.

Sharon, often described as the “godfather” of contemporary a cappella, is best known for his work on the hit Pitch Perfect films. His return to Pembrokeshire follows a successful workshop visit in late 2025 at the invitation of Pembrokeshire Pop Voices.

The local choir has chosen the Paul Sartori Foundation as one of its charities of the year and has been raising funds through a range of musical initiatives. Before Christmas, the group released a charity single titled Love the Bones of You, with proceeds helping to support hospice care across the county.

Supporters can contribute by streaming or downloading the song, or simply asking a smart speaker to play it — a small action organisers say can make a meaningful difference.

Further fundraising events are planned for the spring, including an evening of music and entertainment on Saturday (Mar 28) at 7:30pm at The Regency Hall in Saundersfoot. Pembrokeshire Pop Voices will be joined by Paul Sartori supporters The Slipway Ukes and local band Footbridge for a night of music, food and fundraising.

A spokesperson for the Paul Sartori Foundation said the events highlight the power of music to bring communities together while supporting vital care services.

“These events are wonderful experiences for audiences and they also raise essential funds for our hospice-at-home services,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful to groups such as Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, Totally Vocal Pembrokeshire and The Slipway Ukes for supporting care in our community.”

Anyone interested in organising a musical fundraiser or choosing the charity as their Charity of the Year can contact community fundraiser Rosie-Faye at [email protected].

Tickets for the St Davids Cathedral concert are available online via TicketSource, while tickets for the Saundersfoot event can be purchased through The Slipway Ukes or via the Paul Sartori Foundation website.

Creative Festival of the Sea sessions offer hands-on fun for families at Waterfront Gallery

CHILDREN will have the chance to create their own magical sea creatures next month as part of Milford Waterfront’s popular Festival of the Sea celebrations.

The Waterfront Gallery, based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Haven, will host free Fantasy Sea Creatures workshops on Sunday (Mar 1).

The sessions will run from 10:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm, with two activities taking place at the same time, led by resident artists Lesley Dearn and Gina Hughes.

Designed as drop-in sessions suitable for children aged four and over, each 30-minute workshop will accommodate up to six children at a time. All materials and tools will be provided, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gina Hughes will lead a clay modelling activity where participants can explore textures while creating fish and small sea creatures inspired by those found along the Pembrokeshire coastline. Children will be able to take their creations home after the session.

Meanwhile, Lesley Dearn’s workshop will introduce simple watercolour printing, blotting and stencilling techniques to help children design magical fantasy sea creatures. Participants will then bring their designs to life using drawing, painting and collage, producing artwork to keep.

Organisers say the workshops offer a valuable opportunity for children and families to enjoy creative, screen-free time together while exploring imagination and artistic materials in a relaxed environment.

The Waterfront Gallery is one of southwest Wales’s leading art venues and is a registered charity. Run by artist volunteers, it is also home to the Wales Contemporary Annual Competition.

For more information, contact Nicola Schoenenberger via email at [email protected].