Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Cost of Living

Thursday 29 February 2024 · 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 have reduced inflation by more than half, aiming to ease the cost of living for veterans.
  • The Minister clarified that service personnel receiving subsidised accommodation should not use food banks, stating it is not appropriate.
  • The Minister highlighted the availability of grants from organisations like the Royal British Legion to help veterans cope with increased costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Economy Veterans
Context

The question addresses the challenges faced by veterans in managing rising costs, prompted by constituents' concerns about financial pressures.

Question

What steps he is taking to support veterans with the cost of living. My constituents are concerned about the impact of high inflation and economic challenges on their ability to afford basic necessities.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Government have successfully reduced inflation by more than half, which will make the cost of living more affordable for veterans along with every other resident in the United Kingdom. We are also getting support directly to those who need it with the £104 billion cost of living package, worth an average of £3,700 a household. In addition, the Government are providing £33 million over three years to better support veterans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about steps taken for veterans was partially addressed but not fully detailed with targeted initiatives or actions for this group specifically.

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Q2 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
NHS Veterans
Context

The question arises from concerns raised by constituents in Gower about the adequacy of support for veterans facing financial hardship, particularly regarding food bank usage.

Question

My constituents in Gower, and especially my veterans, want to know whether the Minister for Veterans' Affairs stands by his comments that food bank usage is a personal choice. Are you saying that service personnel who receive subsidised accommodation should use food banks?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

It is important in this place that we do not misrepresent what other Members say. I very clearly said that service personnel who receive subsidised accommodation should not be using food banks. There is no requirement for them to do it, and that is not appropriate. That is what I have said.

Not addressed: The specific ask about the minister's stance on food bank usage was avoided by focusing on clarifying a previous statement without addressing the current concerns raised.

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Economy Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of universal credit in supporting veterans facing increased costs due to government policies.

Question

With tens of thousands of veterans across the UK forced to rely on universal credit to get by, what is the Minister doing to help veterans in Swansea East and right across the country who are in receipt of universal credit to cope with the increased cost of living caused by this Government's economic failings?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I spend my entire life visiting veterans who consistently raise with me the help that they get. There are plenty of places for them to go to, whether it is the Royal British Legion or others, that have specific grants. On top of that, the Government have put in an enormous package of help for citizens across the United Kingdom of £104 billion. That is £3,700 a household, and that is just for the cost of living.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about measures for veterans receiving universal credit was partially addressed by mentioning general support mechanisms without detailing targeted actions or commitments for this group specifically.

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