Work and Pensions

Thursday 13th September 2018 Ministerial Corrections

Widowed Parent's Allowance

The following is an extract from questions on a statement on Widowed Parent’s Allowance on 5 September 2018.

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

It seems clear that the will of the House is that a child who has lost a parent should not be penalised because of the marital status of the parents. Does the Minister intend to carry out an equality impact assessment of this benefit?

[Justin Tomlinson]

Actually, as part of the commitment to bringing in the new bereavement payments, we will do a full impact assessment, which will be shared with the House. One of the key changes is the additional £1,500 in the initial payment for those in a marriage or civil partnership who had children. We understand the importance of making sure that those with children get additional support.

[Official Report, 5 September 2018, Vol. 646, c. 193.]

Letter of correction from Justin Tomlinson:

An error has been identified in the response I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Chris Stephens).

The correct response should have been:

[Justin Tomlinson]

Actually, as part of the commitment to bringing in the new bereavement payments, we will do an evaluation, which will be shared with the House. One of the key changes is the additional £1,500 in the initial payment for those in a marriage or civil partnership who had children. We understand the importance of making sure that those with children get additional support.