Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May to Question 52582 on Defence Gardens Scheme, what recent progress he has made in simplifying access to Government support for Armed Forces charities.

I would like to recognise the work of Armed Forces charities across the country. They play an invaluable role, offering support to the Armed Forces community - helping Serving military personnel, veterans and their families when they face difficulties and challenges; together with helping communities across the country.

This Government works closely with many Armed Forces charities. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust also administered £10 million in HMG grants this financial year to support the Armed Forces community. Our new £50 million VALOUR initiative will help to bring together statutory services and the charity sector as a core objective. This will include development funding to support local delivery, and ensuring that services are available when, and where, they are needed.