Ministers ‘dithering’ over veterans’ benefits, says MP

EDINBURGH East Labour MP Sheila Gilmore has accused the UK Government of dithering over whether injured veterans will have to undergo tests for a new disability benefit.

Reports claimed Prime Minister David Cameron had personally intervened to ensure disabled ex-soldiers would not have to be assessed.

However, when Ms Gilmore tabled a question on the issue, Disability Minister Maria Miller said all applicants would have to undergo an assessment, but added: “We are working with the Ministry of Defence to consider what arrangements would best take account of the unique situation of severely injured service personnel.”

Ms Gilmore said: “The Government should stop dithering and exempt all people with serious injuries and disabilities from face-to-face assessments. Instead, they should refer to evidence from medical professionals with detailed and longstanding knowledge of claimants’ conditions. ”