Armed forces charities to benefit from new funding

Almost £500,000 will be shared between veteran charities that support serving personnel, veterans and their families during the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland.

As part of a £5.5m fund for charities across the UK, £473,110 will be split across seven Scottish charities.

The charities provide a range of support to veterans and serving personnel, in a range of areas including employment, mental health and wellbeing, physical health and recovery, and support for service families

The UK Government will also launch a consultation on employers paying no National Insurance contributions on the salary of any veteran they take on during their first year of civilian employment.

Under the plans announced in this year’s Budget, an employer taking on a veteran earning £25,000 will save around £2,000 in National Insurance contributions.

Scottish secretary Alister Jack said: “As the country unites to celebrate Armed Forces Week and say thanks to our military community, it is fitting the UK Government is increasing support for ex-servicemen and women to help them deal with the impacts of coronavirus.

“We are investing more than £473,000 in seven Scottish charities who are helping veterans and their families overcome challenges such as mental and physical health and welfare issues. And there’s more than £2.4 million being shared with veteran charities who work across the UK, including Scotland.

“I know just how welcome this extra money will be.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Today we mark and give thanks to our veterans for the outstanding service which they have given to this country.

“To show our appreciation we’re advancing veterans’ issues across Government, through the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

“I’m delighted as well to confirm extra funding for service charities to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak added: “If it wasn’t for the brave servicemen and women who serve and protect our country, we would not have a United Kingdom to call our home.

“That’s why we must continue to do everything we can to support our veterans through these challenging times.”