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Saluting Scotland's forces' veterans
26/06/2008
A comprehensive review seeking ways of improving the day to day lives of Scotland's 600,000 ex-forces veterans was announced today.
On the eve of National Veterans Day, Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell also outlined immediate Government measures to help veterans.
The Scottish Government will implement, with immediate effect, the following:
Health - state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs for veterans returning injured from combat operations, fitted and maintained by trained clinicians and funded by the Scottish Government
Housing - to help war veterans and serving armed forces personnel get a foot on the property ladder, they will be given priority access to shared equity schemes
Mr Maxwell also said a wide-ranging consultation would canvass opinion on how best to deliver housing, health, transport and education services to people who 'deserved our gratitude for their selfless duty to this country'.
Consultation proposals include:
- Housing - Scottish social landlords to ensure that individual injured personnel are a high priority for adapted social housing.
- Transport - improving access to public transport services, such as concessionary fares.
The Government will meet with veterans' leaders next month to kick-start the consultation, which will take place over the summer, and help shape the way forward.
Mr Maxwell said:
"Scotland's veterans deserve our gratitude for their selfless duty to this country, which has been served with great distinction and honour.
"It's time to recognise the valuable and meaningful contribution made by the veterans community to day-to-day life across Scotland.
"I am concerned that many veterans are experiencing barriers to obtaining particular services. This root and branch review is designed to improve the daily lives of our veterans.
"I will be meeting veterans' leaders shortly as it is important that those for whom these services are intended are involved in this discussion at this early stage."
Ron Smith, Chairman of Veterans Scotland, an umbrella group of over 30 organisations, said:
"We would welcome any steps being taken by the Scottish Government to deal with the needs, and realise the aspirations of Scotland's veterans."
"We look forward to contributing to the consultation which we hope will improve the lives of Scotland's war veterans."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. The Scottish Government will consult with key stakeholders on its approach to delivering services to armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families. Areas covered will include healthcare, housing, education and transport.
2. Veterans issues are a reserved matter for Westminster but through the devolution settlement the Scottish Government has responsibility to Scotland's veterans in housing, health and social care, education, skills and employability and social inclusion.