Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans Support

Monday 26 June 2023 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Veterans UK is publishing a quinquennial review and an independent review to assess the armed forces compensation scheme and identify areas for improvement.
  • Two reviews are underway to address concerns about structural issues and process improvements in the veterans compensation scheme.
  • The Government has received the Etherton report on the treatment of LGBT veterans and is working through its recommendations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Veterans
Context

Veterans UK's steps to support veterans and their families.

Question

What recent steps has Veterans UK taken to support veterans and their families?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

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 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Defence Veterans
Context

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.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

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 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

The number of veterans claiming universal credit has increased by 50% over the past year.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

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 James Gray Con
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

LGBT veterans were court-martialled, shamed and dismissed until 2001.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

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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