Support for Dependents of those killed in action

[Twon]

A good news story (in a "hope my family doesn't need it" way)?

BBC News - Tories plan scholarships for children of fallen troops

Twon

[hobnail]

Good to see that it won't come out of the defence budget and it's another step in the right direction. The cynical part of me thinks that it will be spun and made another election point.

[Pontius Navigator]

Had a quick look at Al's original post too.

There is another factor that kicks in too regardless of compensation or whatever. The military widow will lose her MQ, if in one, or may well want to relocate to her home town. Either way there is a considerable disruption to the family over and above the loss of a loved one.

It applies to those lost in 'peacetime' accidents as well as operational deaths.

[Al R]

I think that is being looked at PN, and its a really good point. The Command Service Paper of 09 made mention of it (I think).

http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/97238...et20090915.pdf

Amongst other things, it asks if public bodies have the right to define what constitutes 'disadvantage'. Pages 14 and 15 of the 08 Paper are are conspiciously short of mentions of parent widows and widowers.

http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/415BB...2/0/Cm7424.pdf

[Gainesy]

I think the ruling on NoK vacating MQs is (was, anyway) 60 days, but when he was Station Master at Wittering, David Craig turned a blind eye to a JT's widow and toddler kiddy who stayed in place for at least six months.

There's leaders and there's managers.

[Twon]

Loss of MQ shouldn't be an immediate issue. I have known of 2 years for one widow but it is very unlikely to be longer than that. 60 days is definately not the notice period though.

Also glad to see it's not coming out of the Defence Budget as it appears to be recognised as part of the nation's commitment, not just the MOD's.