HC Deb 27 November 2000 vol 357 c480W
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.