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Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill - Sitting 1

15 March 2023

Proposing MP
James Gray Con
North Wiltshire
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

James Gray discusses several amendments to the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill aimed at enhancing oversight and inclusivity for veterans. James Gray is addressing concerns regarding amendments to the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill. James Gray is discussing clauses 2 and 3 of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill, addressing issues related to the composition and functions of VAPCs. The statement discusses a Bill aimed at reforming the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees (VAPCs) in the UK to better serve veterans and their families. James Gray discusses the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill, addressing concerns over the completion of a MOD review and questioning the issuing authority for terms of reference. The statement discusses the progress and approval of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill in the Committee stage.

Action Requested

James Gray proposes amendments to include a representative from UK veterans' associations on committees, provide oversight functions over Veterans UK, ensure coverage for overseas residents, and expand covenant matters to include social care, employment, and immigration.

Key Facts

  • Amendment 2 aims to include at least one representative of a UK veterans’ association in the membership of committees.
  • Amendment 1 proposes giving committees functions relating to monitoring and holding Veterans UK accountable.
  • Amendment 4 specifies that the regulations must apply to British Armed Forces veterans who are resident overseas.
  • Amendments aim to widen committee scope in relation to Veterans UK interaction, membership composition, territorial extent, and additional functions.
  • Representative inclusion from veterans associations is welcome through open competition processes.
  • The Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs have commissioned a review of Government welfare provision for veterans.
  • A three-month wide-ranging Government veterans review will be led by a senior civil servant with stakeholder advice.
  • Andrew Murrison thanked his hon. Friend for remarks and urged the Committee to reject amendments.
  • VAPCs are considered robust, credible, and well-represented by veterans.
  • Amendment 4 proposes extending committee functions to British Armed Forces veterans resident overseas but faces technical difficulties.
  • The Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees have been operating across the UK for almost a century.
  • There are currently 12 VAPCs staffed by volunteers.
  • The Bill will move statutory power to establish VAPCs into the Armed Forces Act 2006.
  • It allows the Secretary of State to amend functions over time and future-proof legislation.
  • The Bill expands the role of VAPCs to all veterans and their families regardless of compensation entitlements.
  • Clause 1 creates an enabling power for establishing VAPCs in specified areas, including eight statutory functions related to veterans' issues.
  • Clause 2 provides for the repeal of section 25 of the Social Security Act 1989.
  • The Bill amends 11 Acts and includes provisions for transitional and savings regulations.
  • The MOD has yet to complete its own review of the VPACs.
  • There is a risk that future legislation may be required if the review is not completed before this Bill proceeds.
  • The OVA issued the last terms of reference, but the explanatory notes suggest the Ministry of Defence will issue them going forward.
  • Two-thirds of the committee members are graduates of the armed forces parliamentary scheme.
  • The Bill was ordered to stand part with Clauses 1, 2, and 3 approved.
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