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Motion · S6M-06188 · 4 Oct 2022

Veterans and Serving Armed Forces Personnel Claiming Universal Credit

Lodged by Graeme Dey Standard Motion 17 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes the recent announcement by the UK Government Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, that almost 3,000 members of the Armed Forces have been forced into claiming Universal Credit as the cost of living soars; expresses its shock that such numbers of serving personnel cannot rely on their salary to cover their living costs; understands that UK Armed Forces personnel have been subject to years of Conservative administration-imposed pay restraint and laments what it considers is the evident insufficiency of UK Government support for those who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country; acknowledges the figures indicating a 12% rise in Universal Credit claims over the last four months, to 38,000, by veterans who it believes are clearly being failed in spite of the promised Armed Forces Covenant; notes the reported near-£3 billion investment by the Scottish Government in 2022-23 in a wide range of targeted support unique to Scotland, on top of the lower 19% rate of income tax for the lowest paid; urges the UK Government to match these measures UK-wide, and considers that those presently serving in the Armed Forces should receive a salary that ensures they can afford to live without having to turn to Universal Credit.

Supporters (17)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.