ALLOWANCE FOR LOWERED STANDARD OF OCCUPATION

That this House expresses its extreme concern at the Government decision to change the qualification rules for the Allowance for Lowered Standard of Occupation for former armed services personnel; notes that following the entering into effect of the change on 4 April 2009, former members of the armed services whose health deteriorates due to their military service to more than 40 per cent. disability will find themselves financially discriminated against, leaving them as much as 55 per week worse off than those individuals who were suffering 40 per cent. disability before this date; believes, especially at a time when public support for armed forces veterans is high, that this unacceptable situation will cause popular resentment as well as avoidable hardship; further notes that this comes at a time when hon. Members are justifiably under public pressure for unjustifiable expenditure and expenses claims; and urges the Government to reconsider and reverse this ill-conceived decision, which will have a devastating financial impact on those individuals who are already suffering from serious ill-health arising from their brave service to the nation.