Public Policy eNews - May 2010
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Welcome to another edition of the Legion's policy eNewsletter. We hope you find this a useful source of updates on government policy, Legion campaigning and welfare benefit developments.
Politics and Policy
More money for mental health
A £2 million funding pot to improve mental health services and access to NHS services in England for Armed Forces veterans has been announced. The money is intended to pay for a range of initiatives including up to 15 Community Psychiatric Nurses to work alongside Combat Stress, improved education and training for GPs to enable them to identify mental health issues amongst veterans and also for the NHS to work with the Legion and Combat Stress to raise veteran's awareness of services available to them.
 Big Lottery Fund money for the move to civvy street
The BIG Lottery Fund has announced £35 million of funding for a new programme, FORCES in MIND. The money will be used to establish an independent trust to provide long term support and advocacy to those who served in recent conflicts. The trust will work with charities to assist veterans struggling with the transition to civilian life, in particular those with mental health issues that affect the quality of their life and others around them.
Legion NHS Partnership
The Legion, with Combat Stress, is now the Department of Health's Third Sector Strategic Partner. The partnership is a three year funded programme that will focus on the mental health needs of Armed Forces service personnel and veterans. The aim is to build capability and capacity within the Armed Forces and veterans charities sector, and to highlight areas of shared interest and good practice. For further information contact Marie-Louise Sharp.
 Employment support for Service families
Legion services continue to expand as our Civvy Street employment and skills website has added a section dedicated to Service Families Employment. A special section available to spouses, civil partners and adult dependants now provides information, advice and guidance on work issues. It also provides access to resources for skills and career development. It will in future offer information on employment opportunities in garrison areas.
Help with starting a business
The Civvy Street site has added yet another string to its bow with the addition of the Be the Boss service. This is a government funded scheme to help Service Leavers start their own business or become self employed. The Legion is delivering the service that will provide information, advice and guidance on business start up and financial assistance in the form of grants and loans.
Reform of the Coroner System - Next Stage
During March, the Ministry of Justice published Reform of the Coroner System Next Stage – Preparing for Implementation. This is first of a series of consultations regarding the implementation of the Coroners & Justice Act 2009. This is an important first step towards improving the Coroners System for bereaved families that experience an inquest following an overseas death of a serving family member. If you would like to pass comments to the Legion regarding this consultation please contact Lisa Bainbridge.
Welfare
National Insurance credits for military spouses
Military spouses and civil partners are now able to claim National Insurance credits for time spent overseas when on an Accompanied Tour. This will help maintain National Insurance records which are important for entitlement to State Pensions and other contribution based benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance. Previously some spouses and civil partners were unable to find work overseas and could not afford to pay their National Insurance contributions leaving a worrying gap in their records. They are now able to counter this disadvantage by making a claim for credits at the end of their overseas assignment.
 Discounted Council Tax for second homes in Wales
Service personnel residing in MoD accommodation who have a second home in Wales now receive a minimum 50% discount on the latter's Council Tax bill. The new regulations that came into force on 1 April 2010 require local authorities to provide a discount of at least 50% when the occupant of a property is required to reside in MoD accommodation.
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