WOMEN from across Ceredigion, along with their families, attended a packed public meeting in Aberystwyth to express concern about the UK Government’s recent state pension changes.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who organised the meeting at Canolfan Merched y Wawr, is backing the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign which is protesting against the changes made by the government to the state pension age, particularly affecting women born in the 1950s.

Around 5,000 women in Ceredigion who expected to retire at 60 have been told, some of whom with only 18 months’ notice, that they will have to wait up to another six years for their pension.

It is estimated some women will miss out on over £40,000 in pension payments.

Several women shared their personal stories and experiences during the meeting – many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, and are facing the probability of living permanently below the poverty line throughout their retirement.

Due to long-term health problems, many felt it would be extremely difficult for them to carry on working until the age of 66 but that these changes and the lack of adequate warning from the government had left them no choice.

Mr Lake said: “I’m glad to see the campaign is gaining momentum here in Ceredigion, with the evening building on the success of a similar event held in Cardigan last month.

“I am now looking forward to our next meeting at Lampeter’s Victoria Hall on Monday, 24 September, at 7pm.”

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