MPs back major changes to Bereavement Support Payment

Major changes to support for bereaved parents have been voted through by the Government.

Changes to Bereavement Support Payment were supported by MPs 292 votes to 236, majority 56.

The new scheme will replace a suite of bereavement benefits and provide bereaved parents with an initial lump sum and up to 18 monthly payments.

Under current legislation, bereaved parents can receive payments of up to £112.55 a week until their youngest child leaves school.

One Conservative backbencher, Chris White (Warwick and Leamington), voted against the Government and opposed the changes.

Labour health minister Rosie Cooper was the only non-Tory MP to vote in favour of the new regulations.

The changes will come into force in April and are expected to affect around 8,500 parents over the next 12 months, ministers say.

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