Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Monday, 27 November 2000 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make a statement on the implications of the Crossland Case for the claims of widowers for equality of treatment.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the implications of the Crossland case for the claims of widowers for equality of treatment. [140624] Dawn Primarolo: The case of Christopher Crossland has no implications for other claims for Widow's Bereavement Allowance. The Government recognise that the system of tax allowances which applied before 2000 did not target support fairly on those who needed it most. A new system has now been introduced, which focuses resources on families with children. Most widows and widowers with children under 16 will, from next April, be entitled to the Children's Tax Credit, worth over twice as much as the Widow's Bereavement Allowance. We believe that this will give the right support to those who need it most.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c480W; 140624
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Bereavement benefits Eligibility Fathers Social security benefits Widowed people Widowed parent's allowance Widows payment Widowed mothers allowance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk