Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much of the £87,500 lump-sum payment will war widows who have remarried or starting cohabiting receive after taxation; and if he will make it his policy to either make the payments tax-exempt or increase the level of the payments so that each recipient receives £87, 500 after tax.  [186584]

[Due for Answer on 5 June]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families (Dr Andrew Murrison): There is nothing we can do to bring a loved one back, and no amount of money will ever change that. This payment is not intended to put a value on a widow’s loss. But this is a meaningful amount in recognition that remarriage or cohabiting with a new partner does not erase the bereavement. The rules for this recognition payment include that it is taxable. This was taken into consideration when the figure was set at £87,500. The amount received after taxation will depend on individual circumstances. Ministry of Defence and Treasury officials are working on the details and rollout.