CHANGES to the pension and compensation packages for dependents of Armed Foces personnel who die as a result of service while holding an acting rank have been warmly welcomed by Monmouth MP David Davies.
Mr Davies, an ex-member of the Territorial Army, had written to his colleague Andrew Robathan MP at the Ministry of Defence to highlight apparent anomalies in the current system after being contacted by a constituent.
At present, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 only recognises acting rank in pension payments if an individual holds the acting rank for at least 12 months. In future, death benefits will be paid to the families of those who die due to service on the basis of acting rank, regardless of how long the position has been held. These changes came into force on 3rd January 2011.
The dependents of those who did not previously qualify for the pension payments of their higher rank will be provided with a £20,000 lump sum under changes to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, which are due to be incorporated into legislation to be laid before Parliament in February 2011.
Speaking from Westminster, Mr Davies said: “This is fantastic news and demonstrates the way in which the Government is prepared to tackle anomalies and take action to resolve them as soon as possible.
“It was apparent that the previous system produced outcomes which were completely unfair and I’m pleased Ministers saw fit to review the policy and introduce a new scheme which recognises the acting rank of all those whose death is caused by service. I for one will certainly be supporting the legislation, which cannot come a minute too soon.
“British soldiers, who I think are our finest young men and women, are the cream of society and they and their families deserve nothing less”.