Welcome to the Veterans UK website - Free Veterans Helpline 0800 169 22 77

Veterans Issues

Remembrance

Remembrance
Introduction
Cenotaph
Remembrance
Unknown Warrior
The Royal British Legion
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Service casualty branches
Memorials
Biographies
Commemorative booklets

The Ministry of Defence's Policy on War Memorials

Introduction I Policy I Maintenance I Disposal I Inventory I War Memorials Trust I English Heritage I
The Public Monuments and Sculpture Association

The Ministry of Defence's Policy on War Memorials

It has been a long standing policy of successive Governments that the cost of erecting memorials and associated projects are not usually met from public funds, but from private donations or public subscription. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not have responsibility for either the funding or maintenance of war memorials. The MOD receives many requests from individuals, ex-Servicemen's groups and charitable organisations seeking assistance with various projects. It would not be possible to be seen to support one project rather than another. The vast majority have worthy goals and can make an equally compelling case for support. It would be divisive and open to criticism from unsuccessful applicants, if the Government were to pick and choose which projects to support.

The Government contributes to the commemoration of those killed in both World Wars through the cemeteries and memorials erected and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the United Kingdom's contribution to which is funded through the Ministry of Defence. The scale of this support is demonstrated by the fact that the Department contributes over £26 million per year. Whilst unable to assist financially with the cost of funding new war memorials, the MOD will provide appropriate representation at any dedication ceremony for new war memorials, once funding has been raised and the memorial erected.

Top of page