§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Government policy is on paying Bereavement Allowance to all men widowed between 6 April 1994 and 5 April 2000; and if he will make a statement. [139647]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe 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.