Climbdown on war widow plans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ministers announced a partial climbdown last night over plans to reduce war widows' benefits. The proposals caused furious exchanges in the Commons when they emerged in November's Budget and led to a threatened revolt by some Conservative MPs. It was claimed that pounds 100m could be saved under the plan.
Last night Peter Lilley, the Social Security Secretary, said he still believed that the proposals represented "a sensible and balanced approach." But he added that he had decided not to abolish the war widow's rent allowance for new claims or to stop issuing copies of decisions to third parties involved in claims.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments