A WOMAN whose husband died from an aggressive form of skin cancer is urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reforms to bereavement payments.
Andy O’Connor died aged 43 in 2022, leaving behind his wife Holly and daughter April.
Holly – who is originally from Batley and now lives in Netherton, near Huddersfield – is part of Widows’ Fight, a group campaigning for better financial support for people who have lost their spouse or partner.
The group wants the Government to extend Bereavement Support Payments (BSP) beyond the current 18 months, and link them to the cost of living.
The Government said BSP provided short-term support, while other benefits – like Universal Credit – were available to “further help with everyday living costs”.
Appealing to Mr Burnham, 41-year-old Holly said: “Please listen to us.
Andy O'Connor died from an aggressive form of skin cancer in 2022
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“There are a lot of people, including children, at risk of being in serious poverty because of loss and bereavement.
“We want the Prime Minister to put himself in our shoes.
“We really hope he’ll back our campaign and push for changes which, if introduced, would make a huge, vital difference to so many bereaved people.”
Andy was 43 when he died
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Earlier in the summer, Holly, eight-year-old April and other campaigners from Widows’ Fight handed in a petition to Downing Street, calling for changes to the system.
The petition received more than 100,000 signatures, meaning it will be debated in Parliament on a date to be fixed.
BSP can be claimed by a spouse or partner after the death of a loved one and people can receive an initial payment of £3,500, followed by 18 monthly payments of £350.
Holly and daughter April on Downing Street as the Widows' Fight petition was handed in
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
The support is not means-tested, payments are not taxed and they can be paid in addition to other benefits.
Campaigners want to see BSP extended until the youngest child reaches 18-years-old, as other payments were prior to reform in 2017.
BSP payments have not risen since they were introduced nearly 10 years ago. The petition is also calling for an annual uprating.
Widows' Fight campaigners outside 10 Downing Street
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “Losing a loved one is devastating and we understand the financial impact it can have on families
“BSP provides short-term financial support, with higher amounts paid for those with children.
“Further help with everyday living costs may be available through benefits such as Universal Credit which provide targeted, means-tested support to those in greatest need.”
But Holly and other campaigners from Widows’ Fight maintain the Government must go further.
Holly paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as “such a wonderful and kind” man.