Damning Survey Results on Support Provided
The SNP has slammed the UK government for its “completely inadequate” level of support to veterans and personnel, following a damning new survey from the House of Commons’ All-Party Parliament Group for Veterans.
The survey, which assessed the overall experience of the UK government-led ‘Veterans UK’ programme, received negative ratings in all aspects including experience, support, communication and consideration.
It found that:
- 76.4% of veterans and personnel rated their overall experience claiming compensation as poor or very poor – compared to just 6.4% as good or very good.
- 83.4% of veterans and personnel rated the level of support they received during the process as poor or very poor – compared to just 5.9% as good or very good.
- 77% of veterans and personnel rated the level of communication they received whilst awaiting the results of their application for compensation as poor or very poor – compared to just 6.5% as good or very good.
- 84.5% of veterans and personnel rated the consideration given to their mental and/or physical health whilst making their claim as poor or very poor – compared to just 5.7% as good or very good.
The SNP at Westminster has reiterated its call for a “complete root and branch reform” of Veterans UK.
– Graeme
It is incredibly disappointing to see the negative assessment of UK Government support by the vast majority of survey respondents.
It is indicative that what is being offered currently to those who have put their life on the line in our Armed Forces is completely inadequate.
While the Scottish Government has made strides in developing the support available for veterans at the devolved level, something I was pleased to lead on as former Veterans Minister, ultimate responsibility lies at Westminster.
Our veterans deserve a complete root and branch reform of Veterans UK, as the SNP have been calling for, given the sacrifices made and the support required to address illness, injuries and mental health issues.
