THE GREEN Paper, The Nation's Commitment to the Armed Forces Community: Consistent and Enduring Support, was launched in July and marks the start of a public consultation. It will look at how to prevent the Armed Forces Community being disadvantaged due to their unique circumstances in accessing public services such as housing, education and healthcare. It will also look at ways to provide them with tailored routes through which to address complaints.

The consultation follows the publication, in July 2008, of the Service Personnel Command Paper, The Nations Commitment: Cross-Government Support to our Armed Forces, their Families and Veterans which set out more than 40 commitments to improve the lives of the Armed Forces community.

Defence Minister Kevan Jones said:
“Our Armed Forces are the best in the world and it is our duty to ensure that we do everything we can to support them and their families. The Service Personnel Command Paper we published last July has delivered some real benefits and will continue to do so over the coming years. This Green Paper will look at how we can ensure the principles of the Service Personnel Command Paper are permanently upheld across all levels of Government. I am confident that this consultation process will help us to deliver even more real and lasting improvements for the Armed Forces community.”

Among the measures already delivered by the Service Personnel Command Paper are:

• Doubled compensation for the most serious injuries;
• Free further education for Service leavers;
• Help for Forces leavers to get on the housing ladder; and
• Launched six veterans’ mental health pilot schemes around the UK.

Options in the Green Paper include creation of a Charter for the Armed Forces community, exploring the value of a legal duty being placed on public bodies, and an Armed Forces hotline to help Service personnel and their families make complaints if they are dissatisfied with the public services they receive.

Get involved

The consultation is seeking views from the Armed Forces community, Service charities and the public as well as service providers. The SPCP team are keen to hear your views and comments on any of the ideas presented in the Green Paper. Additionally, they would welcome any alternative options you feel are worth considering. All responses must be submitted by 31 October 2009.