Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will introduce a medal for armed forces personnel who were prisoners of war.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no plans to recommend the introduction of a prisoner of war medal. Armed Forces personnel who were prisoners of war would have been awarded the relevant Campaign Star, or Medal, for the theatre in which they served, and an individual who performed a particular act of distinction could have been considered for a gallantry award. Any consideration of a separate medal for prisoners of war would be a matter for the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee, a sub-committee of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medal, rather than the MOD.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for full rollout of ID cards for veterans; and what assessment he has made of the merits of veterans having such cards (a) in Scotland and (b) across the UK.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Veterans' Recognition Scheme has a two-phase rollout. Phase 1 is complete; with all Service leavers since December 2018 automatically receiving a HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as part of their discharge process. As of July 2023, there have been over 71,000 Veteran Cards issued as part of Phase 1. Phase 2 will extend access to the recognition card scheme to those who left before December 2018. Continued progress has been made towards the launch of a new digital verification service to enable all veterans to apply for the card.
With around two million veterans in the UK, we are focused on building the technology and processes to deal with large volumes of card applications accurately and securely. As production increases into next year, the Ministry of Defence will have the capacity to produce up to 50,000 cards per month and the number of cards issued will depend on demand.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the all-party parliamentary group for veteran's survey findings, published in 2023, what steps he is taking to (a) strengthen the services provided by Veterans UK, (b) ensure that veterans receive high-quality (i) care, (ii) support and (iii) communication throughout the process of claiming compensation and (c) ensure that veterans' physical and mental health is taken into consideration during that process.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) welcomes the results of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG's) recent survey. The MOD also undertakes a variety of surveys and canvassing to ensure it is giving serving personnel, their families and veterans what they need to pursue their careers and ensure their lived experience is positive.
Many of the issues raised by veterans relate specifically to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) which is subject to the Quinquennial Review. The latest Quinquennial Review was published on 17 July 2023. Its aim is to ensure that the AFCS remains fit for purpose and identify opportunities for improvement. Its recommendations are currently being considered, and a Government response will be published later this year.
We recognise delays do happen and we are always working to minimise these but the interaction and dependency on OGDs, in particular the NHS means some delays are outside our control. The need to obtain proper, full, comprehensive medical reports from claimant's medical practitioners being the most frequent reason for delay.
The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) helps Veterans with form completion for MOD administered schemes and signposting to entitlements and support available from the wider public and voluntary sectors.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the APPG for Veteran's Survey Findings relating to respondents' awareness of activities undertaken by the Veterans Advisory and Pension Committee (VAPCS), what steps he plans to take to enhance awareness among (a) veterans and (b) military personnel of the role of in providing support to veterans.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) acknowledges the results of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Veterans’ survey.
The MOD has already taken steps towards raising awareness of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees by delivering on its commitment to capture the breadth of their activities through a Private Member’s Bill that has now been passed into law. The passage of this Act has raised broader awareness of the role of the Committees and the support they provide to our Armed Forces community at a regional level.
The issue of how the Committees communicate within their regions and with relevant stakeholders, forms part of both their public bodies independent review and the UK Government Welfare Services for Veterans, which were published in July 2023. The MOD and Office for Veterans' Affairs, along with other stakeholders, will now consider these reports and will develop an action plan to address findings and recommendations, with a focus on implementing meaningful change that will enhance service effectiveness and delivery. The Government’s response to these reports will be published later in the year.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) Scottish veterans charities to help increase the construction of homes specifically for veterans.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA) in the Cabinet Office is responsible for cross-government and UK wide coordination of efforts to support veterans. The £20 million Veteran Capital Housing Fund is being administered by the Covenant Fund Trust on behalf of the OVA:
https://covenantfund.org.uk/2023/09/12/veterans-capital-housing-fund-launches-first-programmes/
The Ministry of Defence is not responsible for the housing provision for veterans. Housing in Scotland is a devolved matter and charities are independent of the government. It would be a decision for the Scottish Government and Scottish veterans' charities if they wish to build homes exclusively for veterans.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will reassess the entitlements of existing recipients of the War Disablement Pension whose assessment of disablement is less than 40 per cent; and whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the War Disablement Pension for people who have degenerative conditions.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Government has paid a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment to those in receipt of Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement, or War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, with a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24. These payments were selected because they are the allowances under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme that are similar to the relevant benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, such as Personal Independence Payment. Receiving a war pension does not prevent individuals from receiving payment of the broader social security benefits that are in scope for the disability payment.
The basic War Pension is worked out based on an individual’s degree of disability as a percentage to enable Defence to take a holistic view of impact of their conditions on their overall health and functionality, with payments made to reflect that. There are specific set levels of assessments for certain prescribed injuries, which range from 20 to 100 per cent. These are mainly for the loss of body parts or total sensory loss and help act as a benchmark for assessing conditions which are not listed. Ongoing pensions can be for a single or a number of conditions but the overall assessed disablement level, called a combined assessment, is certified and cannot exceed 100 per cent. For those injuries that are minor in nature, with a percentage disablement of less than 20 per cent, a lump sum gratuity may be payable
The War Pensions Scheme and civilian disability payments provide financial support for two different things, which is why they do not align. The War Pensions Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005. Civilian disability benefits provide financial support for those too ill, or whose conditions prevent work to support themselves entirely independently.
The Ministry of Defence is confident that extant War Pensions assessments are appropriate and there are no plans to reassess existing entitlements outside the scope of routine reviews. It is possible for pensions to be increased as a result of a request for a review from the individual or an appeal against the percentage level awarded. Defence considers the level of payment available to those with degenerative conditions under the War Pensions Scheme to be appropriate.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has plans to review the grading of war pensions for existing and new recipients to make them more aligned with civilian disability benefits.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Government has paid a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment to those in receipt of Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement, or War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, with a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24. These payments were selected because they are the allowances under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme that are similar to the relevant benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, such as Personal Independence Payment. Receiving a war pension does not prevent individuals from receiving payment of the broader social security benefits that are in scope for the disability payment.
The basic War Pension is worked out based on an individual’s degree of disability as a percentage to enable Defence to take a holistic view of impact of their conditions on their overall health and functionality, with payments made to reflect that. There are specific set levels of assessments for certain prescribed injuries, which range from 20 to 100 per cent. These are mainly for the loss of body parts or total sensory loss and help act as a benchmark for assessing conditions which are not listed. Ongoing pensions can be for a single or a number of conditions but the overall assessed disablement level, called a combined assessment, is certified and cannot exceed 100 per cent. For those injuries that are minor in nature, with a percentage disablement of less than 20 per cent, a lump sum gratuity may be payable
The War Pensions Scheme and civilian disability payments provide financial support for two different things, which is why they do not align. The War Pensions Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005. Civilian disability benefits provide financial support for those too ill, or whose conditions prevent work to support themselves entirely independently.
The Ministry of Defence is confident that extant War Pensions assessments are appropriate and there are no plans to reassess existing entitlements outside the scope of routine reviews. It is possible for pensions to be increased as a result of a request for a review from the individual or an appeal against the percentage level awarded. Defence considers the level of payment available to those with degenerative conditions under the War Pensions Scheme to be appropriate.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason veterans in receipt of war pensions assessed at less than 40% do not receive cost-of-living support.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Government has paid a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment to those in receipt of Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement, or War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, with a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24. These payments were selected because they are the allowances under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme that are similar to the relevant benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, such as Personal Independence Payment. Receiving a war pension does not prevent individuals from receiving payment of the broader social security benefits that are in scope for the disability payment.
The basic War Pension is worked out based on an individual’s degree of disability as a percentage to enable Defence to take a holistic view of impact of their conditions on their overall health and functionality, with payments made to reflect that. There are specific set levels of assessments for certain prescribed injuries, which range from 20 to 100 per cent. These are mainly for the loss of body parts or total sensory loss and help act as a benchmark for assessing conditions which are not listed. Ongoing pensions can be for a single or a number of conditions but the overall assessed disablement level, called a combined assessment, is certified and cannot exceed 100 per cent. For those injuries that are minor in nature, with a percentage disablement of less than 20 per cent, a lump sum gratuity may be payable
The War Pensions Scheme and civilian disability payments provide financial support for two different things, which is why they do not align. The War Pensions Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005. Civilian disability benefits provide financial support for those too ill, or whose conditions prevent work to support themselves entirely independently.
The Ministry of Defence is confident that extant War Pensions assessments are appropriate and there are no plans to reassess existing entitlements outside the scope of routine reviews. It is possible for pensions to be increased as a result of a request for a review from the individual or an appeal against the percentage level awarded. Defence considers the level of payment available to those with degenerative conditions under the War Pensions Scheme to be appropriate.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason applicants for War Pensions are graded in terms of percentages of disability.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Government has paid a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment to those in receipt of Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement, or War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, with a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24. These payments were selected because they are the allowances under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme that are similar to the relevant benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, such as Personal Independence Payment. Receiving a war pension does not prevent individuals from receiving payment of the broader social security benefits that are in scope for the disability payment.
The basic War Pension is worked out based on an individual’s degree of disability as a percentage to enable Defence to take a holistic view of impact of their conditions on their overall health and functionality, with payments made to reflect that. There are specific set levels of assessments for certain prescribed injuries, which range from 20 to 100 per cent. These are mainly for the loss of body parts or total sensory loss and help act as a benchmark for assessing conditions which are not listed. Ongoing pensions can be for a single or a number of conditions but the overall assessed disablement level, called a combined assessment, is certified and cannot exceed 100 per cent. For those injuries that are minor in nature, with a percentage disablement of less than 20 per cent, a lump sum gratuity may be payable
The War Pensions Scheme and civilian disability payments provide financial support for two different things, which is why they do not align. The War Pensions Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005. Civilian disability benefits provide financial support for those too ill, or whose conditions prevent work to support themselves entirely independently.
The Ministry of Defence is confident that extant War Pensions assessments are appropriate and there are no plans to reassess existing entitlements outside the scope of routine reviews. It is possible for pensions to be increased as a result of a request for a review from the individual or an appeal against the percentage level awarded. Defence considers the level of payment available to those with degenerative conditions under the War Pensions Scheme to be appropriate.
Asked by: Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his letter referenced MSU/4/5/8 which is placed in the Library, whether and to what timescale his Department plans to commission its own socio-economic report in addition to the economic impact assessment commissioned by the fishing community; if he will publish results of such a report; and what the implications of such work are for the timescales for determining the proposed byelaw changes for the inner sound between Raasay and the mainland.
Answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
Work is currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to produce a Socio-Economic Report for the Raasay Ranges. This is in addition to the assessment commissioned by the local fishing community. The MOD Report will be completed and made available in advance of the outcome of the Raasay Byelaw Review which is due to be finished later this year.