Guernsey deputy campaigning to help widows

A Guernsey politician is campaigning for a better deal for the island's widows.

Prior to 2004, a widow would receive a pension until the age of 65, but it was changed to a bereavement allowance for just one year.

Deputy Barry Paint said the change had left some widows feeling they had no financial security.

He said a meeting with the Social Security Board on Wednesday had been "amicable and constructive".

The States said the widow's pension had been reformed because there was no similar benefit for men whose wives had died.

Full-time housewives

The 12-month bereavement allowance can be claimed by both men and women who are over the age of 45 when widowed.

"One of the problems is that there are widows who have spent their married lives as housewives," Mr Paint told BBC News.

"Bringing up children and running a household is one of the most important jobs there is and some have never worked and need our help."

Mr Paint said the Social Security Board had agreed to look at the issues raised at the meeting.

"The ball's in their court now," he added.