Forces Widows Pension Change Of Heart

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29956894

According to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, his government was putting right an issue that had caused "upset and disappointment for many years".

I welcome this move, as I expect most people will do but am I being a tad cynical by thinking that this announcement is being made very close to an Election ? After all, the Tories could have done this just after they won power back in the summer of 2010.

By the way, this extra pension provision will cost the exchequer just £120M a year, hardly a fortune when compared to total expenditure.

[New Judge]

I can understand women avoiding remarriage (though I think even co-habitation jeopardised their pensions). Many widows are not well off and losing a pension could make a significant difference to their finances. It is scandalous that their private life should be examined in this way. In particular the notion that once remarried their new partner will automatically be in a position to (and that they should want him to) “support them” financially is a little outdated to say the least.

However, whether or not they “need” the cash is immaterial. Their entitlement to a widows’ pension should not be put in peril because they choose to take up with another man.

[mikey4444]

NJ has it right here !

[New Judge]

Careful Mikey, people will start to talk !!! :-)

[mikey4444]

NJ...what I like about AB is that there always common ground to be found, if only we are polite enough to see it. You and I don't always see eye on some things, but like TTT, and some others, its always useful and informative to debate with you. I only wish I could say that about everybody on here, as some are nasty just for the sake of it.

[bazwillrun]

£120 million a year...not paying the dictators in brussels who crack the whip the 850 million theyve "demanded" would help to pay these pensions for a few years

yet another reason not to pay these greedy leeches

[New Judge]

Always a pleasure, Mikey. It's what separates us from the "trolls" - we can disagree but still have a virtual pint together later!!!.

[mikey4444]

I may not always agree with you NJ, but you debate in a cogent and well-expressed manner, which is what I aspire to as well. What a pity that we have some loudmouths on here everyday, who lack your skills and don't even attempt a clear and intelligent debate.

[THECORBYLOON]

It's not £120 million a year, it's that sum over forty years.

[DaisyNonna]

Squad. How old-fashioned and just plain wrong.
A woman is not 'kept' by her husband.
The pension is a recompense for the death of a man serving his country.
Why say to a woman, choose between the money owed to you for the loss of your man's life and the ability to love and be a full woman again?