THE South Cotswolds MP has backed calls for millions of women affected by changes to the state pension age to be compensated as a matter of urgency.

Dr Roz Savage has shown her support for the campaign groups Women Against State Pension Inequality and Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI).

She wrote letters to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and to the Minister for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, saying she was contacted by numerous constituents impacted by the changes.

These changes saw the state pension age for millions of women born in the 1950s rise from 60 to 65, and then to 66, with little or no notice.

The new South Cotswolds constituency includes Malmesbury, Cirencester, Tetbury, Cricklade, Fairford, Lechlade and Purton. 

Dr Savage said: "An estimated 6,500 women in my constituency, now in their 60s, have been affected and many have faced considerable financial hardship due to the sudden alteration of their expected retirement plans.

"It is vital that they be fairly compensated.

"As their MP, it is my duty to represent their interests with the new government which is why I have strongly urged the Chancellor and state pensions team to bring forward proposals for a compensation scheme.”

She added: "The impact on these women cannot be overstated.

"Many have had to continue working well beyond their expected retirement age, often while managing health issues or caring responsibilities.

"The financial and emotional toll has been significant, and this injustice must be addressed."

Hilary Simpson, chair of the WASPI 2018 campaign, said: "The Ombudsman recommended compensation for 1950s women back in March, and in over 99 per cent of cases, the organisations they investigate comply with their recommendations.

"The delay by successive governments in responding to the recommendations in this case is simply compounding the injustice.

"Parliament has now risen for the summer recess and will return on September 2.

"During that time, almost 4,000 WASPI women will die without receiving the recommended compensation.

"We are very grateful for the support shown by Roz and her fellow Liberal Democrat MPs in speaking up for our cause.”

Dr Savage is one of more than 80 MPs to have signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament.

It calls for the House of Commons to recognise "the losses borne by 1950s women as a result of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions."

It also urges the government to honour the recommendations of the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman by bringing forward a proper plan for compensation.