Banking, investments and credit FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions relating to banking services, mortgages, general investments and credit scores.

From 1980 to 2000 widows were entitled to receive a tax allowance - the widow's bereavement allowance (WBA). In April 2000 the allowance was withdrawn as part of a wider reform in state benefits for widows and widowers. This note gives a short history of the WBA, and the efforts of widowers who lost their spouses before the WBA was withdrawn to claim it.
Widow's bereavement allowance (120 KB , PDF)
From 1980 to 2000 widows were entitled to receive a tax allowance – the widow’s bereavement allowance (WBA). In April 2000 the allowance was withdrawn as part of a wider reform in state benefits for widows and widowers. This note gives a short history of the WBA, and the efforts of widowers who lost their spouses before the WBA was withdrawn to claim it.
Widow's bereavement allowance (120 KB , PDF)
Answers to frequently asked questions relating to banking services, mortgages, general investments and credit scores.
This Commons Library research briefing provides a summary description of the structure of inheritance tax (IHT) and the main reliefs which are available.
At the Autumn 2024 Budget, the government announced that, from April 2026, it would restrict the inheritance tax relief available for agricultural and business property. There has been significant debate over how many farms and other businesses this measure would affect.