Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Veterans

Monday 15 November 2021 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are committed to delivering a gold standard of care for veterans.
  • The budget for Op Courage is being increased to more than .
  • The Minister is liaising closely with Veterans UK to ensure that veterans get the support and encouragement they need.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Selaine Saxby
Veterans
Context

The question arises from a concern about the adequacy of support available for veterans across the UK.

Question

What recent assessment has his Department made of the adequacy of support available for veterans throughout the UK?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No recent assessment was provided on the adequacy of support available for veterans.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 Selaine Saxby
NHS Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: 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.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Not addressed: No specific measures or timeline was provided on how veterans affected by pension cuts will be supported.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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