News

DWP failed to adequately communicate changes to Women’s State Pension age

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2024

A COMPREHENSIVE investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has found that thousands of women may have been affected by DWP’s failure to adequately inform them that the State Pension age had changed. 

The 1995 Pensions Act and subsequent legislation raised the State Pension age for women born on or after 6 April 1950. We investigated complaints that, since 1995, DWP has failed to provide accurate, adequate and timely information about areas of State Pension reform.

The final report combines stages two and three of our investigation. It both considers the injustice resulting from the maladministration we identified during stage one and also sets out our thinking about remedy.

To date, DWP has not acknowledged its failings nor put things right for those women affected. DWP has also failed to offer any apology or explanation for its failings and has indicated it will not compensate women affected by its failure.

DWP’s handling of the changes meant some women lost opportunities to make informed decisions about their finances. It diminished their sense of personal autonomy and financial control.

However the 1950s women have said today they were floored by the insult of a compensation package proposed for women born in the 1950s, who were not told about a change to their state pension age.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman urged government to ‘do the right thing’ today by establishing a scheme suggesting compensation ranging from £1000 to £2950.

1950s women’s groups have long argued that their retirements were ruined by government changes to the state pension age, with the majority not receiving any notice or letter about the changes, which has cost many 50s women between £45,000 to £55,000. For Pembrokeshire campaigners they’ve spent more than the proposed offer on train tickets to rallies at the Senedd, Westminster and Political Party conferences over the last 8 years!!

However, today the government has said it will look in detail at the report from the PHSO, where the watchdog urged it to ‘act swiftly’.

The PHSO investigation has been flawed and full of irregularities and mistakes since its inception as it failed to take into consideration proven discrimination and only investigated partial maladministration. Even after stage 2 the Ombudsman had to be challenged as it was deemed legally flawed. The announcement today was as expected and the report is virtually the same as the draft report published in November.

As Hon Dr Jocelynne Scutt stated “50s women are faced with a Government that ignores its legal responsibilities & lacks compassion. Many have died, many living in poverty, & all have suffered & continue to suffer the wrong of injustice. Action is needed to right this grievous wrong”

We know the Judge’s Report addresses both direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of age and sex, finding both proven in relation to 1950s-born women. It also addresses maladministration, finding it also proven in relation to the conduct or failure of the Department of Works and Pensions.

PHSO Chief Executive Rebecca Hilsenrath, said:  “The UK’s national Ombudsman has made a finding of failings by DWP in this case and has ruled that the women affected are owed compensation. DWP has clearly indicated that it will refuse to comply. This is unacceptable. The Department must do the right thing and it must be held to account for failure to do so.  

“Complainants should not have to wait and see whether DWP will take action to rectify its failings. Given the significant concerns we have that it will fail to act on our findings and given the need to make things right for the affected women as soon as possible, we have proactively asked Parliament to intervene and hold the Department to account.

“Parliament now needs to act swiftly, and make sure a compensation scheme is established. We think this will provide women with the quickest route to remedy.”  

The investigation has been complex and involved analysing thousands of pages of evidence. On a number of occasions, parties were allowed additional time to consider and comment on our views. We also agreed last year to look again at part of our stage two findings following a legal challenge. All of this resulted to delays in the final report.

The report has been laid before Parliament, with a request that it looks at our findings and intervenes to agree a remedy for the women affected. While Parliament will make its own decisions about rectifying the injustice, we have shared what we consider to be an appropriate remedy. In addition to paying compensation, we have made it clear that DWP should acknowledge its failings and apologise for the impact it has had on complainants and others similarly affected.

The Ombudsman has received a series of complaints relating to how well DWP has communicated a variety of State Pension reforms. Concerns about communication of changes to the State Pension age constitute only one such area of complaint. The Department has also declined to act on other issues that have been consistently highlighted in complaints. A report from the Ombudsman later in the year will set these out.

News

Charity football match scores big for mental health awareness

Published

7 mins ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN an inspiring display of community spirit and sportsmanship on Friday (May 10), the Ogi Bridge Meadow stadium hosted a charity football match that saw local mental health charity, Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), triumph over 2Wish, with a final score of 5-1. The event drew a large crowd, who gathered to support both organizations dedicated to mental health and well-being.

GTBAL, a renowned Pembrokeshire charity known for its efforts in mental health advocacy, put on a strong performance, leading to a decisive victory that was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the spectators. The match not only provided an evening of thrilling sports action but also raised significant awareness and funds for the causes represented by the two teams.

Maria Elena Smith, a spectator and supporter, praised the event, commenting, “Amazing effort from everyone involved. As always, the charities that support so many families and individuals have come out in force. Well done all and thank you for all the support.”

Adrian Smith, another attendee, highlighted the importance of the charities’ work, stating, “Don’t underestimate what both these charities do. It was a fantastic evening raising awareness.”

The event served as a reminder of the vital role these organizations play in the community, offering support and resources to those facing mental health challenges. Congratulations to all involved for a successful event that went beyond just a game, fostering community unity and support for pivotal causes.

News

Renewed social media appeal over Sian Batchelor’s death

Published

23 mins ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a new appeal on social media, Carmel Russant has called on residents of Pembroke Dock to assist in the investigation into the death of Sian Batchelor, whose body was discovered on a beach in Pembrokeshire.

32-year-old Sian Batchelor was found near Pennar in Pembroke Dock around 5pm on Tuesday, 30 April. Described by her family as a “beautiful, funny and lovely person,” the news of her death has left the community in shock and mourning.

Taking to Facebook, Ms. Russant urgently requested locals to check their doorbell and CCTV footage, specifically targeting Military Road and the area heading towards Pennar Park on the 29th and 30th of April. This community-driven initiative aims to gather any possible clues that could explain the tragic circumstances surrounding Ms. Batchelor’s final days.

The police, who have also launched a full investigation following the discovery, are supporting Ms. Russant’s call for community assistance. They are keen to understand Ms. Batchelor’s movements between Thursday, 25 April, and her death, hoping that public contributions will shed light on this mystery.

The family of Ms. Batchelor has expressed their devastation, remembering her as a “funny and loving person” and cherishing the memories they shared. While they seek privacy during this difficult time, they support the community’s efforts to uncover the truth behind Sian’s untimely demise.

Residents with any information or footage that might be relevant are encouraged to come forward and speak to the authorities or contact Ms. Russant or Maria Matthews directly. The collaboration between the police and the community exemplifies the collective endeavour to find answers and provide closure for Ms. Batchelor’s family.

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101.

News

Pembroke youth secures celebrated double victory

Published

44 mins ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE sporting community of Pembrokeshire witnessed an exceptional display of youth rugby talent on Thursday evening (May 9) at Narberth RFC.

The grounds were buzzing with excitement as they hosted the finals for both the Youth Cup and Youth Plate competitions, attracting large crowds and garnering considerable acclaim for the quality and intensity of the matches played.

The evening kicked off with the Youth Plate final, where Tenby United, known affectionately as ‘The Young Seasiders,’ triumphed over Narberth’s own ‘Young Otters’ with a score of 39-22. The Seasiders showcased a robust performance, and their captain Kyle Rossiter had the honor of receiving the trophy from Delyth Summons, a representative from District H of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), marking a memorable moment for the team.

As the anticipation built, the spotlight then shifted to the main event of the evening: the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final. Pembroke Youth faced their closest league rivals, Aberystwyth Youth, in what was set to be a thrilling showdown. Pembroke, led by their captain and second row Max Boswell, demonstrated tactical superiority and a relentless drive that saw them overpower Aberystwyth with a comfortable 33-13 victory. This win not only gave Pembroke the cup but also secured them the prestigious league and cup double for the 2023/24 season.

The match was meticulously overseen by referee Andrew ‘Twts’ Thomas, along with assistant referees Dave Byrne and Carwyn Evans, who together ensured a fair and competitive match environment.

Pembroke’s strategy unfolded brilliantly on the field with notable performances by centre Kobi Bratcher, outside half Bowyn Clarke, and No. 8 Zac Shaw, whose contributions were pivotal in the team’s decisive surge in the second half. This trio helped expand Pembroke’s lead with three additional scores, pushing the final tally to 32-13.

Despite the widening gap, Aberystwyth Youth displayed commendable spirit and tenacity.

The team, which had finished second in the league, managed to claw back into the game briefly in the final quarter.

Notable efforts by scrum half Ben Breeze-Griffiths, alongside Rhys Willets-Jones and Cerith Williams, exemplified Aberystwyth’s resilience, as they scored late points that added a layer of respectability to the final score line and highlighted the quality of their play.

Post-match, Youth Organiser Ceni Davies praised the high level of rugby displayed, noting the tight control maintained by the officials which allowed both teams to showcase their fitness, pace, and skill.

This sentiment was echoed by the large and passionate crowd, reinforcing the match as a standout event in the local sports calendar.

The coaches of Pembroke, Phil Greenwood and Mark Boswell, were visibly thrilled with the outcome. They praised their team’s unwavering commitment and the strategic execution that led to their undefeated season culminating in the double win.

Their counterparts from Aberystwyth, led by Wayne Thomas and Llyr ap Hywel, while disappointed with the loss, expressed pride in their team’s performance and the fierce competition they provided.

The success of these finals is a testament to the vibrant youth rugby scene in Pembrokeshire. It not only celebrates the achievements of the teams and players involved but also highlights the community’s strong support for developing young athletes.

As the season concludes, both teams look forward to building on this experience, aiming for greater success in future competitions.