Veterans and the wider armed forces community would benefit from a dedicated commissioner, tasked with providing greater support and improving services in Wales.
The call, from the Welsh Conservatives, comes as Remembrance Day is commemorated in a Senedd debate.
Taking part in the debate, Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:
“I am honoured to take part in this debate today, to remember and honour our brave and selfless service men and women across Wales.
“It is only right that we pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much to secure and protect our freedoms, and we must ensure that this is recognised in the improved provision of services and outcomes for our Armed Forces Community.”
A Welsh Armed Forces Commissioner would be dedicated both to veterans and the wider armed forces community. With an overall objective of improving outcomes for veterans and serving forces, the commissioner would engage with the community, as well as all public services.
The role would complement the UK-wide position of Armed Forces Ombudsman, introduced by the UK Government and welcomed by Welsh Conservatives.
Prioritising issues such as mental health needs and housing, the commissioner would also hold public bodies to account for the implementation of their Armed Forces Community Covenants.
There were also calls in the debate for the Welsh Government to establish a veterans’ card, offering a series of benefits for service personnel and veterans – including free bus travel; the implementation of a ‘veteran needs assessment’ as a basis for service delivery; and protection for veterans injured before 2005 by ensuring that their War Disablement Pension is not taken from them when they access social care.
Welsh Conservative motion for debate:
To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:
1. Remembers and honours those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom;
2. Pays tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces and notes the moral obligation owed to them by people across Wales;
3. Believes that the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner for Wales would provide improved services and outcomes for the Armed Forces community;
4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) establish a veterans' card, offering a series of benefits for service personnel and veterans in recognition of their service;
b) implement a veterans needs assessment as a basis for service delivery; and
c) protect veterans injured before April 2005 by ensuring that their War Disablement Pension is not taken from them when they access social care.
Speaking after the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister Mark Isherwood said:
“Armistice Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many during conflict. It also provides opportunity to look to the future and ensure that our armed forces are able to receive the support that each and every one of them deserve.”
“The creation of an Armed Forces Commissioner in Wales is an excellent opportunity to ensure that happens.
“Working with charities, local authorities and health boards, the commissioner would be the first point of contact on all issues relating to support for our armed forces.
“Whether its veterans or serving troops, whether it’s issues relating to health or housing, the overall strategic objective of the role would be to ensure an all-inclusive approach to support.”
The Welsh Conservatives also called on the Welsh Labour Government to establish a veterans’ card, and to configure health and social services to ensure that armed forces personnel receive priority access to treatment.
Mr Isherwood added:
“Welsh Conservatives have long campaigned for the introduction of an Armed Forces Card to further support our service personnel.
“The card would offer a series of benefits for personnel such as free bus travel, free entry to council swimming pools, and free entry to Cadw heritage sites.
“Furthermore, it would emphasise the NHS priority care available to those with service-related conditions.
“Our armed forces have been willing to risk life and limb for our country and they deserve proper help and welfare on their return. They have made their country proud and we must not let them down.”