Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and Councillor Allan Duffy, Highland Council’s SNP Spokesman for Military and Veterans Issues, have raised concerns over the threat veterans in the Highlands are facing as a result of Westminster’s bedroom tax.

With the Westminster Government carrying out widespread cuts to military personnel, many members of the armed forces are facing the prospect of a sudden and unexpected return to civilian life. The imposition of the bedroom tax and other welfare changes threatens to make it far more difficult for those leaving the armed forces to adjust successfully to being civilians.

Also, many families who have a spare room that would be used by a family member serving in the armed forces are facing financial penalties if they do not find a way to move to a smaller property or take in a lodger, creating real obstacles for veterans returning to their families.

Mr Thompson has written to Lord Ashcroft, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Veterans’ Transition to ask what action the UK Government will take to support veterans who are about to be hit by Westminster’s welfare changes.

Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said: “Westminster’s unfair and punitive bedroom tax is already set to hit thousands of vulnerable people across the Highlands and Scotland, but I am shocked and disgusted that our veterans are one group likely to be particularly affected.

“The Westminster Con-Dems are creating unique problems for veterans and they need to have the responsibility to recognise this fact.   The Scottish Government, service and other charities and local authorities are doing what they can to support veterans, but the Westminster Government must accept that it has to play its part.

“People leaving the armed forces should rightly expect to be welcomed back into civilian life, not to have the Westminster Government do its best to undermine them, often after having cost them their job in the first place.

“The people of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch have a right to know what is being done to help veterans return to this community and I am urgently seeking answers on their behalf.

Adding to this, Councillor Duffy said: “As an ex-serviceman, I am truly saddened and disgusted that the Westminster Government are treating our veterans and the familes of serving soldiers in such a disrespectful manner.  These are men and women who have, in some circumstances, paid a great price in the service of their country and have come home, facing physical and mental disabilities.  To have to face the added stresses of the Bedroom Tax is just something that these brave souls do not need.

“And for the parents of serving soldiers, this is a tax on love.  It is a tax on a parent’s desire to have a safe and welcoming environment for their son or daughter when they come home.

“This should not be allowed to happen and Westminster needs to wise up and sort this out.

Note:

Copy of the letter Dave has sent to Lord Ashcroft today (22.02.13)