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Increase in dedicated staff will accelerate applications and
process payments faster
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New automated payment system is being built to eliminate
processing delays and administrative bottlenecks
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Financial recognition scheme will provide support for LGBT
military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or
mistreatment while serving between 1967 - 2000.
LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or
mistreatment due to their sexuality while serving between 1967
and 2000 will receive financial support faster following
improvements to the Government's financial recognition
scheme.
The UK Government has increased dedicated
staff by adding a further five workers, almost doubling
the size of the existing team, to accelerate application reviews
and process payments more quickly. The expanded team will focus
on expediting the creation of applicant case files and processing
of applications.
To address processing concerns, the Government is also
introducing two other key measures as part of its efforts to
ensure veterans receive timely recognition for past
injustices:
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An automated payments system is being built to streamline the
process, significantly reducing administrative bottlenecks
and minimising errors. This system will ensure payments are
made accurately and promptly once approved.
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Independent Panel sittings will double to two per week to
accelerate the review of cases requiring assessment,
particularly for those seeking recognition payments of up to
£20,000 for harm experienced beyond dismissal or
discharge.
The Government remains driven to ensure every
recommendation of Lord Etherton's review is fully
implemented. As of July 2025, Defence has completed 42 of the
49 recommendations and two other remaining recommendations
will be completed by the end of the year.
This action demonstrates the Government's Plan for Change in
practice - delivering on the commitment to strengthen national
security by ensuring we maintain the trust and confidence of all
those who serve our country.
Minister for Veterans and People, MP, said
We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between
1967 and 2000 which was wholly unacceptable.
We have been prioritising payments to the elderly and those with
serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as
quickly as possible.
We're taking decisive action to ensure LGBT veterans receive the
recognition they deserve by increasing staff resources,
implementing an automated payment system, and doubling panel
reviews.
This scheme acknowledges the sacrifices of those who faced
discrimination while serving. I urge all affected veterans to
apply through the GOV.UK portal as we remain fully committed to
implementing Lord Etherton's recommendations, and righting these
historic wrongs, as part of our Government's commitment to renew
the nation's contract with those who have served.
The further support for LGBT Veterans comes off the back of the
government's historic commitment to increase defence spending to
2.6% of GDP by 2027, demonstrating the Government's commitment to
renew the nation's contract with those who have served.
The scheme, launched by the Government in December, goes beyond
financial recognition – it also acknowledges the sacrifices and
injustices faced by LGBT veterans and ensures their experiences
are recognised and valued. This can include, but not limited to,
having a restoration of rank, letters of apologies, among other
forms of recognition.
All veterans affected by the ban while serving between 1967 and
2000 are urged to read the guidance and apply via the Veterans of
the LGBT Ban: Financial Recognition Scheme page on GOV.UK.
