Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People,
Veterans and Service Families ( ): The following joint
statement is released on behalf of , Minister for Defence
People, Veterans and Service Families and , Minister for Veterans.
We are pleased to inform the House that we have commissioned a
review of the role and scope of welfare provision for veterans,
including by the Ministry of Defence under the Veterans UK
banner. Much has changed in this sector’s landscape over the last
three years and expectations from within the Armed Forces
community have changed too. The time is now right for us to take
a fresh look at our support to ensure we are meeting the needs of
this community.
This review will build on the positive work already being
undertaken across Government under the Strategy for our Veterans
- including the Ministry of Defence’s £40 million digitalisation
project, which will significantly improve customer service and
the process for managing claims through MOD. This review will
encompass the MOD’s Veterans’ Welfare Services, as well as the
Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office, and the Government's
role in the Veterans’ Gateway and how they fit into wider
Government support to Veterans. It will also align with the
Reviews of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and Veterans
Advisory and Pensions Committees that are due to report in the
spring. The review will be led by a Senior Civil Servant, with
the Independent Veterans' Advisor and other key stakeholders
providing advice and will last approximately three months.
