I have recently received a number of e-mails regarding the Royal British Legion's 2017 manifesto.
I recognise the valuable contribution made by Armed Forces personnel and their families and the many sacrifices made through their service in keeping Britain safe. A great debt is owed to all those currently serving and to all those who have served. I know that the Government supports the RBL's aspiration to include a veteran's marker in the 2021 census. In light of this, the Office of National Statistics and the Ministry of Defence have established a working group to review this matter.
During my time working for the Ministry of Defence, the Department worked closely with the Royal British Legion and other charities such as SSAFA and Help for Heroes, and I know of the tremendous work they do to help veterans. I was especially pleased that we launched the Veterans Accommodation Fund, funded by LIBOR funds levied against banking excesses. The fund ensured that £40 million was allocated to helping tackle problems faced by veterans across the country in securing accommodation through a series of local projects. A subsequent Covenant Fund was established in 2015 which continues the valuable work in providing support to veterans, details on which can be found here.
I was also proud that whilst at the Ministry of Defence, we were able to assist the families of veterans by changing the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 75 and the War Pension Scheme. The changes ensured that widows, widowers and surviving civil partners of all members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme can retain their pension for life.
I know that the MOD works closely with Local Authorities to make provision for separated or divorced spouses or civil partners as they transit out of the Armed Forces community, and Ministers will consider whether additional measures are necessary. I am aware that a number of Local Authorities have amended their housing policy to waive the requirement for a local connection to recently divorced and separated spouses, on their first move out of Service family accommodation.
I am encouraged that an independent review of the Covenant pledges made by business and the third sector is being undertaken in 2018 which will identify and document positive examples of how a range of organisations are delivering on their Covenant commitments. These examples of best practice will then be shared, along with appropriate guidelines, to support organisations in drafting and implementing Covenant pledges.
I am aware that the MOD continues to keep a watching brief on gulf veterans illness but in line with the Medical Research Council review carried out in 2003, which confirmed that no discrete diagnosis was present, there are no plans to institute further research either on causation or clinical management. With regard to veterans' healthcare including the treatment of Non-Freezing Cold Injuries, the MOD continues to work with the Department of Health, NHS England, and the Devolved Administrations to ensure that the specific healthcare needs of injured personnel continue to be met when they leave the Services.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.