Veterans Support 2023-06-26
2023-06-26
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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Veterans UK's steps to support veterans and their families.
What recent steps has Veterans UK taken to support veterans and their families?
We will shortly be publishing the quinquennial review into the armed forces compensation scheme and the independent review of Government provision of welfare services for veterans. Between them, they will ensure that the scheme remains fit for purpose and that we identify areas for improvement and better align support services. Crucially, we will continue to press ahead with the £40 million digital transformation of paper-based processes.
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Q2
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Claims to the Veterans UK compensation scheme have dropped and rejections increased compared with a decade ago. The Minister for Armed Forces said that the Department's digital programme would address this.
At the last Defence orals, it was noted that claims to the Veterans UK compensation scheme have dropped and rejections increased compared with a decade ago. Is the Minister concerned about structural issues in the scheme?
Two reviews are under way: the quinquennial review and the review being launched jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans' Affairs. I suspect strongly that those reviews will bring forward recommendations to improve processes, but all institutions have to change with time, and this is no different.
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Q3
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The number of veterans claiming universal credit has increased by 50% over the past year.
Over the past year, there has been a 50% increase in the number of veterans claiming universal credit. How does the Minister plan to help these veterans acquire skills for well-paid employment?
Universal credit is an in-work benefit that will affect a small number of service people. We have done everything we can to mitigate cost of living rises, including a freeze on accommodation costs and food prices, as well as contributions to offset increases in council tax.
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Q4
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LGBT veterans were court-martialled, shamed and dismissed until 2001.
The LGBT community of veterans was treated unjustly from 1967 to 2000. The Government commissioned a report by Lord Etherton. Will they produce the report and make an oral statement? Will they give the apology and compensation it calls for?
The Etherton report has been delivered. It is pretty magisterial, as we would expect from Terence Etherton, with a number of recommendations that we are working through. When we respond, it will be a proper response, and I hope it will satisfy my hon. Friend.
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