NEW LAW, ENDING SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION OVER DEATH BENEFITS, COMES INTO EFFECT MONDAY APRIL 9TH
BUT GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PROFIT FROM PUBLIC IGNORANCE
As from April 9th 2001 the law will change with the implementation of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999, to the effect that widowers will become entitled to the same state benefits as do wives losing their husbands. Previously, men were denied these benefits, which amounted to clear sexual discrimination in gross contravention of Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights.
However, whilst husbands losing their wives before the 9th April 2001, will, thereafter, receive the same benefits as do widows, they will not receive those benefits backdated to the date of death. SO THE UK GOVERNMENT REMAINS IN BREACH OF THE ECHR FOR THE PERIOD PRIOR TO APRIL 9TH 2001.
The Government have demonstrated their readiness to hold up their hands to the charges in that they have offered privately to a number of widowers who have sued them in the European Court of Human Rights settlements that amount to payment in full backdated to the date of death.
It would seem that the Government will provide the monies that widowers are entitled to under the ECHR, but only to those who are prepared to present an application to the European Court.
Anyone wishing to consider pursuing a backdated claim can register at the web site www.TheClaimRoom.com .