Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Service Families

Monday 16 March 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister is taking measures to ensure service families are informed about changes to their accommodation under the MOD's future accommodation model.
  • The Minister confirms continued dialogue with Home Office officials to advocate for exemptions from minimum income requirements for Commonwealth personnel.
  • The Minister notes high rates of service personnel transitioning smoothly into civilian education or work with support from charities like SSAFA.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Morden Lab Cardiff South and Penarth
Defence
Context

Discussion on steps taken by the Department to support military family members, including education, mental health, employment assistance, and accommodation.

Question

What specific measures is the Minister taking to ensure service families are informed about changes to their accommodation under the MOD's future accommodation model?

Answer from Johnny Mercer (Minister for Defence People and Veterans)

Acknowledging the challenge, the Minister emphasizes ongoing efforts within the Department to communicate accurately about the future accommodation model. The aim is to clarify both what it entails and its limitations to prevent misunderstandings among service families.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Fabian Hamilton Lab Northampton North
Immigration Employment
Context

Discussions about difficulties faced by Commonwealth service members in bringing their families to the UK due to Home Office regulations.

Question

Will Ministers advocate within the Home Office for exemptions from minimum income requirements for Commonwealth personnel, acknowledging their contributions?

Answer from Johnny Mercer (Minister for Defence People and Veterans)

Acknowledging ongoing efforts since two years ago, the Minister confirms continued dialogue with Home Office officials. The aim is to alleviate financial stress on these personnel while ensuring their valued contributions are recognized by the UK.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Branford and Oakley
Veterans
Context

Concerns raised by SSAFA regarding the preparedness of veterans for transitioning into civilian life, impacting family members as well.

Question

What additional support is being provided to help veterans adjust smoothly from military service to civilian life?

Answer from Johnny Mercer (Minister for Defence People and Veterans)

Highlighting significant efforts by the current government, the Minister notes high rates of service personnel transitioning into civilian education or work. Regular consultations with charities like SSAFA ensure ongoing support to those facing particular challenges during this transition.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email