Ross proposes veterans’ benefits top-up

Armed Forces veterans would be given a welfare top-up and extra help for housing under Scottish Conservative proposals for government.

Party leader Douglas Ross wants to use devolved Holyrood powers to make a new payment for veterans’ households in receipt of Universal Credit, worth £520 a year.

He also called for a renewed help-to-buy scheme to assist veterans into property ownership.

Mr Ross says an Armed Forces and Veterans Bill should be introduced to the Scottish Parliament to put more help on a legal footing and help exservice personnel back into civilian life.

Mr Ross, visiting the Royal Scots Monument in Edinburgh yesterday, said: “Too many veterans and families are failed, and their sacrifices go unrecognised.

“While many thrive and prosper after their military service, some end up homeless, struggle to get medical care or some even become trapped in a cycle of reoffending.

“Our Armed Forces and Veterans Bill will further enshrine the voluntary Armed Forces Covenant into law.”

“Too many veterans and families are failed