WELFARE SERVICES TO CIVILIAN STAFF IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

That this House recognises the importance of the provision of welfare services to civilians within the Ministry of Defence, particularly those returning from combat areas; believes that these welfare services are best provided by civil servants offering a relevant face-to-face service close to the point of delivery, rather than an external service providing generic welfare advice or a service which is mainly telephone based; is alarmed that Government changes to welfare provision will result in a loss of expertise in welfare officers, and a decline in the quality of service provided; calls on the Government to continue to provide welfare services in the most effective way possible; and urges the Secretary of State for Defence to work with the recognised unions to ensure that these vital services are protected.