War widows’ fury over pension snub
BRITAIN’S forgotten war widows have again had hopes dashed after the Treasury rejected plans to resolve a pensions scandal.
Around 200 women have had military pensions taken away as they remarried.
And there is still no solution almost two years after Government officials were ordered to find one.
Mary Moreland, chair of the War Widows’ Association, has received a “disappointing” letter from BenWallace, the Defence Secretary.
A financial solution was put forward by his department but it “has not been endorsed” by the Treasury.
His letter added: “They concluded it would not be possible for Government to intervene without setting a precedent among other pension schemes and groups.”
Mary fumed: “It’s ridiculous. It feels like we’re back to square one. It’s so frustrating. The blame lies squarely with the Treasury.
“The MoD have been scuppered at every turn.”
Mary wants a meeting with Steve Barclay, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and is also writing to Prince Charles for help.
She added: “The Treasury says it’s worried about precedent. I have told them that precedent does exist for ex-gratia payments.
“There was a change in the war pension scheme in 1973 but pre-73 widows were given a supplementary payment. So they can make an award or top-up payment. We aren’t talking vast quantities of money.
“There is no reason why this can’t be done now. We also have the Armed Forces Covenant, which includes a ‘special consideration to the bereaved’ element.”
A Treasury spokesperson said: “The Government recognises the huge contribution service families make to our country.”