Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Cost of Living Crisis

Monday 7 November 2022 · 7 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 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are committed to supporting households with initiatives such as the energy price guarantee and cost of living payments.
  • The Government have backed Cobseo to understand the impact and have implemented several interventions including a quinquennial review on AFPS.
  • Government published an action plan with over 60 policy commitments valued at more than 70 million to support veterans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Julie Elliott Lab
Economy Veterans
Context

The MP raised concerns about the increasing costs faced by households, particularly affecting those relying on benefits and pensions.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact of the cost of living crisis on veterans?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The Government are committed to supporting households with initiatives such as the energy price guarantee and cost of living payments, addressing concerns about veteran support through Cobseo's October deep dive into impacts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific figures or concrete actions beyond general commitments and mentions of upcoming studies.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

Up to 80,000 veterans are currently receiving Universal Credit, facing a shortfall of £500 per month due to the cost of living crisis.

Question

With up to 80,000 veterans in receipt of Universal Credit—a benefit that was increased by only 3.1% in April—what are Ministers doing to step up support for these individuals and their families?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The Government have backed Cobseo to understand the impact, accepted AFPRB's recommendations, frozen food charges, limited accommodation charge increases, and increased childcare availability. A cost of living roundtable is planned for before year-end.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specifics on universal credit directly or provide new commitments beyond existing policies.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Veterans
Context

The Royal British Legion reports a 20% increase in requests for support from veterans in urgent financial need, with additional costs of £500 per month faced by those on sickness and disability benefits.

Question

With the RBL reporting a 20% increase in urgent support requests from veterans due to extra costs of £500 per month, what are Ministers doing to address these concerns?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Government is trying to understand the impact and has put in place interventions such as a quinquennial review on AFPS, urging veterans to contact welfare offices for assistance with claims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures beyond acknowledging ongoing efforts and encouraging direct communication with welfare offices.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q4 Simon Lightwood Labour (Co-op) Wakefield and Rothwell
Veterans
Context

Veterans' satisfaction survey shows high dissatisfaction with Veterans UK, impacting the ability to make claims for war pension scheme and armed forces compensation scheme.

Question

With high dissatisfaction among veterans regarding support from Veterans UK affecting applications for war pensions and AFCS, what measures will be taken to address these concerns?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Government has injected funds to expedite matters, urging veterans to contact welfare offices for assistance and confirming the Secretary of State will review issues shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures addressing dissatisfaction with Veterans UK beyond acknowledging ongoing efforts.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q5 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Veterans
Context

A constituent faces difficulties heating his home and feeding himself due to pension payments being required by universal credit rules.

Question

Given a real-life example of a veteran struggling with high living costs, what is the Minister doing to ensure such individuals receive support for a dignified retirement?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Government published an action plan with over 60 policy commitments valued at more than £70 million, expressing regret that Labour did not design a similar plan during their tenure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific case or provide new commitments beyond referencing existing plans and criticising previous government actions.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q6 Julie Elliott Lab
NHS Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

Veterans in Crisis Sunderland supports veterans facing mental health challenges and food insecurity.

Question

Given the detrimental effect of the cost of living crisis on veteran mental health, leading to increased use of food banks, will leeway be given for universal credit rules impacting pension payments?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Universal credit varies based on individual circumstances; extra funding is going into the Armed Forces Covenant Trust and Op Courage to support mental health issues among veterans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific request for relief from universal credit rules but acknowledged mental health efforts.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q7 James Gray Con
Education
Context

Wiltshire has 7,000 service children in schools with many benefiting from the services pupil premium, which ends at age 16.

Question

Given that 96% of Wiltshire's schools have service children and the end of services pupil premium at age 16, is there an argument for continuing support to these children until 18?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The Minister acknowledges the importance of education at 18 but suggests that extending support would have significant financial implications and requires Treasury approval.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to extending support beyond age 16 but acknowledged its importance.

How: Too Early To Say

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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