Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Benefits System: Bereaved Families 2026-06-29

Monday 29 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial engagement with Widows Fight UK was offered before a parliamentary debate on a petition for bereavement support payment reform.
  • The Bereavement Support Payment is reviewed annually as part of the uprating process.
  • The 18-month limit for Bereavement Support Payment is set to cover the acute period following bereavement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
NHS
Context

A petition calling for reform of the bereavement support payment has gathered over 100,000 signatures and is supported by various organizations. Many families in Redditch are affected by these issues.

Question

Before the parliamentary debate on the petition calling for reform of the bereavement support payment, will the Minister engage with Widows Fight UK to ensure that all families facing this heartbreak have the support they deserve?

Answer from Andrew Western

I recognise the strong interest in this issue. I was aware of the petition, as well as the campaigning work that my hon. Friend has done in this space. I am very happy to receive any information that that organisation wishes to send to me in advance of the debate on the petition, and I look forward to participating in it.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
Benefits & Welfare
Context

A petition calling for the uprating of the bereavement support payment has gathered over 100,000 signatures and is supported by organizations such as Widowed and Young and Gingerbread. The rising cost of living since the payment was introduced in 2017 means it has not been adjusted.

Question

Will the Government commit to uprating the support payment in line with inflation for 2026-27 and review the 18-month limit?

Answer from Andrew Western

The hon. Member raises an important point. BSP is reviewed annually as part of the wider uprating process, so it would not be appropriate for me to make that commitment today. BSP is limited to 18 months because it is designed to support the acute period following bereavement. Longer-term financial support is delivered through the wider welfare system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific commitment on uprating and reviewing the limit

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem Stratford-on-Avon
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Members of bereaved families in Stratford-on-Avon have raised concerns about the rising cost of living and the 18-month limit on the bereavement support payment.

Question

Will the Government commit to uprating the support payment in line with inflation for 2026-27 and review the 18-month limit?

Answer from Andrew Western

The hon. Member raises an important point. BSP is reviewed annually as part of the wider uprating process, so it would not be appropriate for me to make that commitment today. BSP is limited to 18 months because it is designed to support the acute period following bereavement. Longer-term financial support is delivered through the wider welfare system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific commitment on uprating and reviewing the limit

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email