Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The government announced a war widows ex gratia payment scheme last month. The question addresses the adequacy of the Department's implementation.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the Department's implementation of the lump-sum payments for war widows who previously lost their pensions after remarrying or cohabiting with another partner?
I was delighted to announce the war widows ex gratia payment scheme last month. A specialist team is being stood up to deal with applications and assist and advise widows when the process opens. This will ensure that people are treated with the care they deserve and that their individual needs are met. The scheme will start as soon as possible, and in any event by this autumn, and will be open for two years.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a specific assessment of the adequacy of the implementation but confirmed that a specialist team was being set up to handle applications.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous question and answer addressed the implementation of a war widows ex gratia payment scheme. The current question focuses on the taxation aspect, asking whether efforts will be made to ensure that tax does not significantly reduce the lump sum.
Will my right hon. Friend use his very best endeavours to avoid that unintended and unfortunate result of an otherwise successful initiative?
I fully understand the point that my right hon. Friend is making. He will know that the payment was uplifted to take tax into account. I appreciate that it may not be taking care of all tax in many, if not most, circumstances. What I will say to him, without setting any hares running, is that I am having a conversation with colleagues, but I emphasise that it is around how we deal with tax on this payment.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a clear commitment to prevent taxation from significantly reducing the ex gratia payment, instead indicating ongoing discussions.
Response accuracy