Millions of heroes struggling to survive

ALMOST half of all service veterans and their dependants live on less than £ 10,000 a year, according to a survey by the Royal British Legion. On Remembrance Day, it highlights the plight of millions who risked their lives for their country.

Nearly 50 per cent of those who were in the Armed Forces suffer from long-term illness, disability or infirmity. More than half a million say they receive no help, advice or support for the difficulties facing them and 46 per cent report living on a net household income of less than £10,000 a year.

The charity interviewed more than 6,218 people drawn from the exservice community, the charity’s beneficiaries and case workers to make the first accurate estimate of the size, personal circumstance and welfare needs of the ex- service community.

At 10.5million strong, it comprises a sixth of the population, with 47 per cent veterans and 53 per cent their dependants.

The vast majority of veterans are men (84 per cent) and nearly all adult dependants are women (94 per cent).

Just under a third live alone compared with the UK average of 19 per cent and 11 per cent of over-65s say they never go out to see relatives or friends. The Legion hopes to use the report to provide more effective support for the community.

Welfare director Sue Freeth said: ‘ We will be sharing the results with other organisations that provide for the ex- service community. We will review our welfare offering and make every effort to work with those other charities and the Government to meet the needs of our clients.’