Overview

This bill establishes new Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees across the UK. These committees will advise on matters relating to veterans, their families, and the services provided to them, replacing the existing war pensions committees.

Description

The bill amends the Armed Forces Act 2006 to add Part 16B, creating the framework for these committees. The Secretary of State will determine the committees' geographic areas, membership, appointment processes, and terms.

Committee Functions

The committees will advise on a wide range of issues including: the provision of services to former armed forces members and their families; armed forces covenant matters; war pensions and benefits under various schemes; and issues relating to healthcare, education, and housing for veterans and their families.

Legal Definitions

The bill provides specific legal definitions for terms such as "AFCS benefit," "armed forces covenant matter," "family member of a former member," "former member of the armed forces," "war pension," and "war pensioner."

Consequential Amendments

The bill repeals outdated sections from several acts relating to war pensions committees and updates cross-references throughout relevant legislation to reflect the creation of the new veterans advisory committees.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The establishment and operation of the committees will likely involve some additional expenditure, but the exact cost is not detailed in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Veterans: Will benefit from the creation of committees designed to advise on their concerns and access to services.
• Families of veterans: Will also be represented and receive support through the committees' advisory role.
• Ministry of Defence: Will be responsible for establishing and overseeing the committees, potentially requiring resource allocation.
• Government departments involved in veteran support: Will likely interact with the committees, requiring coordination of efforts.

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