Public Views Welcomed As Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Comes Under Review
27/10/2009
Military personnel and members of the public can now have their say about how they think the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) should assess injuries, ill-health or death cases.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is under review by a panel, chaired by Admiral The Lord Boyce, former chief of the defence staff. Members of the public can submit their views either by e-mail or through the MoD website, which will then be taken into account as part of the widespread review.
Lord Boyce will also chair an independent scrutiny group that will support the review and commented: "I welcome this public engagement as a key part of the review into the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
"It is important that the review seeks views from all parties. Engaging widely is a right and proper step, and it will enable me to make the best recommendations to the Defence Secretary about the future of the scheme."
The review panel is made up of representatives from service personnel, ex-service organizations, families, widows associations, a beneficiary of the scheme as well as legal experts in armed forces compensation.
Andrew Buckham, a lawyer on Irwin Mitchell’s Armed Forces claims team, said he welcomed the review. Mr. Buckham who has previously represented Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson and is an avid campaigner for fair compensation for injured armed services personnel said: “We welcome this independent review which we hope will look at how to better meet the needs of injured servicemen and women.
“Although significant changes have been made to the AFCS since it was first introduced in 2005 it is still evident from cases such as Ben’s that the maximum sum of £570,000 is insufficient to meet the long terms needs of severely injured soldiers.
“We would urge the review panel to consider not only the financial needs of injured soldiers but also their long term rehabilitation and care needs.”
Those who have or may be impacted by these changes can submit questions to the panel through the MoD website.
Back to news
If you would like us to provide you with advice with regard to your potential claim, please complete our brief claim form. We will reply to your enquiry within one working day.
Fill out our quick claim form
If you would like to speak to someone directly about your claim, please call our friendly team on:
0870 024 0558