Support for Veterans 2021-11-15
2021-11-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a concern about the adequacy of support available for veterans across the UK.
What recent assessment has his Department made of the adequacy of support available for veterans throughout the UK?
The Government are committed to delivering a gold standard of care for our veterans. We have made huge progress in recent years, with tangible benefits such as the veterans railcard, the bespoke mental health care pathway, tax breaks for those employing veterans and guaranteed job interviews for veterans applying to join the civil service. But there is more to do, which is why we are putting the armed forces covenant into law and why I will be announcing the veterans strategy next month.
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Assessment & feedback
No recent assessment was provided on the adequacy of support available for veterans.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Veterans Charity in North Devon helps many veterans across the UK and has received referrals from Op Courage teams. There is a need for more comprehensive coverage of mental health support in remote areas.
Will the Minister clarify what plans there are for more comprehensive coverage from this service across North Devon and the south-west, where there are many veterans living in remote areas who need and deserve greater mental health support?
I am pleased to put on record my thanks to the Veterans Charity for its amazing work. I was pleased to contribute to the routes of remembrance event and to dispatch a wreath from Aldershot along with the mayor and garrison commander. We are rightly increasing the budget for Op Courage to more than £20 million this year. An important component of that healthcare is the accreditation of local GPs, so I hope that my hon. Friend is exploring that prospect in North Devon.
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Assessment & feedback
While mentioning an increase in funding for Op Courage and a GP accreditation programme, no specific plan was provided for comprehensive coverage in remote areas.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Hundreds of veterans face pension cuts due to a computer error, with no right to appeal. This affects their ability to afford basic necessities.
Last week it was revealed that hundreds of veterans face pension cuts of up to £600 a year due to computer error, with no right to appeal. As the cost of living rises under this Government, what is the Minister doing to support those ex-forces personnel who now cannot afford basics like heating and food due to administrative incompetence?
I have absolute responsibility for that, and I am liaising closely with Veterans UK to ensure that those people who have served us get the support and encouragement they need.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or timeline was provided on how veterans affected by pension cuts will be supported.
Response accuracy