Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Cost of Living

Thursday 25 April 2024 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government reduced inflation, making living costs more affordable for veterans
  • Eighty-nine percent of veterans find employment within six months of leaving service
  • Last Christmas, no veteran slept rough due to lack of provision under a Government programme

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Economy Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

The question is prompted by the rise in veteran homelessness and food insecurity, with many veterans claiming universal credit to make ends meet.

Question

What steps are being taken to support veterans facing increased costs? Veteran homelessness has risen 14% last year. Seventeen percent of veterans live in food-insecure households. Over 80,000 claim universal credit to survive. Is the UK truly the best place for veterans?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Government reduced inflation, making living costs more affordable for veterans. Eighty-nine percent of veterans find employment within six months of leaving service. Operation Prosper helps secure well-paying jobs for veterans and their families. The shadow Veterans Minister did not attend to ask questions this morning.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issues raised about homelessness, food insecurity, and universal credit claims were not addressed directly.

How: Taking The Opportunity To Criticise Labour'S Absence

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Q2 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

The question is prompted by increased homelessness and food insecurity among veterans, many of whom rely on universal credit.

Question

Given the rise in veteran homelessness and food insecurity, how are you supporting them financially? Veteran homelessness has risen 14% last year. Seventeen percent live in food-insecure households. Over 80,000 claim universal credit to survive. Is the UK truly the best place for veterans?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The hon. Lady's facts are not correct. Last Christmas, under a programme designed by this Government, no veteran slept rough due to lack of provision. The Labour party has not shown up to ask questions today, so I will take no lessons from them on veterans.

Not addressed: The specific issues raised about homelessness, food insecurity, and universal credit claims were completely avoided.

How: Criticism Of Labour'S Absence, Claiming The Hon. Lady'S Facts Are Not Correct

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