Burnham walks back £10.5bn Waspi women compensation offer

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has reversed his stance on a potential £10.5 billion compensation offer for Waspi women, a group of female pensioners who claim they were not adequately informed about increases to their state pension age. Burnham had previously suggested he would "stick by the Waspi women" and that they "deserve some recompense for the unfairness," leading to hopes among campaigners that he would revive the payout proposal.

However, in a U-turn that aligns him with the current government's position, Burnham's office clarified that he accepts the final decision has been made regarding financial compensation. A spokesman indicated an openness to considering alternative forms of compensation, referencing the "Greater Manchester model" which includes schemes like cut-price travel tickets.

The Waspi campaign, which has been supported by Labour figures including Keir Starmer, relates to women who say they lost thousands of pounds due to a lack of notification about the rise in state pension age. An ombudsman report had recommended a payment of up to £2,950 per person, while former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had previously committed to a £58 billion payout.

Economists and commentators have warned that the requested compensation amount is unaffordable due to rising public debt interest costs and concerns about intergenerational fairness. Waspi chair Angela Madden stated that politicians need the "will" to deliver compensation. Some Labour MPs reportedly criticized Burnham's initial overture, with one quoted in the Financial Times accusing him of having "lost the plot again."