BARROW and District women’s pensioners campaigners are disappointed that a key Ombudsman’s report was leaked to the press, weeks before its official release.

Last month, national and local newspapers reported that an inquiry into the government’s communication of stage pension changes, which affected over 4000 women in Furness, had found evidence of maladministration.

In light of the press leaks Barrow and District Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) have now warned women affected by the changes between 2004 and 2011 not to expect compensation anytime soon.

A joint statement from Cath Williams and Patricia Molyneux said: “We deplore the leaking of the Ombudsman’s report, not just because it was a confidential document, but because it has given women the false impression that they will soon be getting compensation.

“Even if the Ombudsman rules that it was maladministration there will be two more stages to go through.

“Next he will have to investigate whether there was injustice, and if so, whether compensation is appropriate.

“We are hopeful that a fair and fast solution can be found, but it certainly won’t be immediate.”

The report is set to be announced by the end of July, but leaks were found on journalist David Hencke’s blog last month.

The leak states that issues were found with the DWP’s communication between 2005 and 2007.

It states that from 1995, when it was announced the women’s state pension age will be raised from 60 to 65, and 2004, that the government provided “accurate information” about the changes, but failed thereafter.

With the leak deeming there was maladministration on the government’s part, Mrs Williams believes it is a ‘big step’ for the WASPI campaign.

She said: “It is a big step forward that maladministration has been found, but it is just the beginning really.

“I have no idea if there will be compensation, but to see though that they were in the wrong is big and in itself is a moral victory.”