§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the qualification for the payment of a contribution towards funeral expenses to widows following the death of the spouse or a dependent relative.
§ Mr. PortilloWe do not plan such a review. Regulated provision is made under the social fund for claims to be made by anyone, including widows, who is awarded either income support, family credit or housing benefit who has to take responsibility for a funeral and needs help to meet the expenses involved. For this purpose, particular provision is made to disregard, for 12 months, the £1,000 lump sum payable to widows when calculating the amount which may be paid under the social fund.