§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what special assistance is given to(a) service and (b) ex-service personnel who are facing financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement. [121520]
§ Mr. CaplinService personnel are expected to manage their financial affairs responsibly. However, individuals facing financial difficulties can be assisted by way of advice at unit level within the chain of command. Commanders, along with others in the unit, including administrative and welfare staffs and chaplaincy services, can provide help and assistance in dealing with individual financial difficulties and will facilitate liaison between the individual and credit organisations.
Each service produces self-help publications on debt and debt management, and RAF personnel receive instruction on the need for integrity in their personal and financial affairs, with recruits instructed on basic money matters, including how to operate a bank account, balance a cheque book and use a credit card. Personnel are also made aware of the support available through the Citizens' Advice Bureau, SSAFA-Forces Help, professional credit advice organisations and respective benevolent funds.
324WAt the Veterans Agency there is a Veterans Advice Unit which aims to provide 'one-stop-shop' guidance to former armed forces personnel or their families on where to seek professional help on a wide range of issues including financial difficulties.