Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Lightwood Excerpts

Monday 7th November 2022 Commons Chamber

[Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)]

8. What assessment he has made of the impact of the cost of living crisis on veterans.

[Simon Lightwood (Wakefield) (Lab/Co-op)]

16. What assessment he has made of the impact of the cost of living crisis on veterans.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Murrison]

I do not accept that. I have just explained what we are doing to address that. We are trying to understand how the cost of living crisis is impacting on our service and veteran community, and we have already put in place a large number of interventions that will go some way to addressing it. I expect to meet my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State shortly, with representatives of the service community, to discuss the matter further.

[Simon Lightwood]

During the cost of living crisis, veterans need to access support such as the war pension scheme and the armed forces compensation scheme, but the latest veterans satisfaction survey shows huge dissatisfaction with Veterans UK, and I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are struggling to make claims. What will the Minister do to address those concerns?

[Dr Murrison]

There have been issues with some applications for both schemes, but I think the position has improved since last year. Nevertheless, the Government have injected further funds to ensure that matters are expedited. I urge veterans who are concerned to contact the welfare office provided through the veterans agency, to help them to fill out the claims, which can sometimes be complicated. The hon. Gentleman will be very pleased to hear that the Secretary of State is expediting the quinquennial review on the armed forces pension scheme, which will hopefully give him some reassurance on the seriousness with which we are taking that issue.