On Monday 7th December, Jo Churchill MP asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about measures which require injured veterans to attend work capability assessments; an issue affecting one of her constituents.
Mrs Churchill said: “I raise this matter on behalf of my constituent Private Troy Watkins who as an ex-serviceman, is a part of the War Pension Scheme and was awarded a life-time Disability Living Allowance. Private Watkins is excluded from access to the Armed Forces Independent Payment which unlike the War Pension Scheme, requires just one assessment. Would the Minister agree with me, that this creates a two tier system which discriminates against service personnel like Private Watkins and would she agree to meet with me to discuss how this effects my constituent?”
The Rt Honourable Priti Patel MP, Minister of State for Employment responded: “I thank my Honourable Friend for raising this particular case. I of course would be happy to meet with her and I think, Mr Speaker, it is right that the House recognises the sacrifices made by all members of our Armed Forces who have been injured as a result of service to our nation and as I have said I would be very happy to meet with her”.
(HC Deb 7 Dec 2015, cc 701) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmhansrd/cm151207/deb…