These sections replace the benefits currently paid to widows with a new set of bereavement benefits, which may be paid to both men and women. A consultation document, A new contract for welfare: SUPPORT IN BEREAVEMENT (Cm 4104), was published in November 1998 setting out the Government’s proposals. Those proposals have subsequently been carried forward into the new legislation, although some elements of these reforms are due to be introduced through secondary legislation.
Commentary Supplementary Part V: Welfare Sections 54-56: Benefits for Widows and Widowers