§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the main factors behind the decline in the number of people receiving widows' benefits between 1992–93 and 1998–99. [38942]
§ Mr. DenhamThe main factors behind the decline in the number of people receiving Widows' Benefits are considered to be demographic trends and the 1988 reforms of the scheme. Social trends such as the growth of cohabitation and increased divorce also have a influence on this benefit.