Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times in Impact Panel decisions under the LGBT+ Veterans Financial Recognition Scheme.

Defence is committed to ensuring that applications to the LGBT Veterans Financial Recognition Scheme are considered fairly and processed as quickly as possible.  We recognise the importance of timely decisions, and are prioritising applications for those aged over 80, those with serious health conditions and those experiencing serious financial hardship.

We have already taken steps reduce waiting times, by increasing the number of dedicated staff supporting the Scheme and doubling the number of Independent Panel sittings to two per week, to expedite the processing of applications.  Steps are being taken to increase the capacity of the Independent Panel, including the recruitment of an additional Chair and additional Panel Members, to allow it to sit up to three times per week. Defence will keep capacity under review and consider further adjustments if necessary.