Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Review

10 February 2010

The review of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (AFCS ) was today announced.

The review was conducted under the independent Chairmanship of former Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral the Lord Boyce. Lord Boyce was supported by a group of independent experts, including senior representatives of: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal British Legion, the Confederation of British Service and ex-Service Organisations, as well as medical, legal and academic experts, and an injured soldier who has put in a claim for AFCS compensation.

The Review has called for an increase in the guaranteed payment across an individuals lifetime, to reflect the fact that more serious injuries will have a lasting effect. A cause often championed by The Soldiers’ Charity, who offer lifetime support to all soldiers, former soldiers and their families. All other awards, including those awarded for mental illness will be increased.

The top level of award, which was doubled to £570,000 in 2008, is set to remain.

Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, Chief Executive of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, commenting today on the outcomes of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme said:

‘Having sat on the Independent Scrutiny Group as part of the review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme I am pleased that the many and precise improvements will ensure a fairer scheme for all injured soldiers – particularly for those with more serious injuries. This review has been fair, thorough and has throughout looked to the long term.”

“ABF The Soldiers’ Charity commends the review and we believe that our work will complement the scheme by continuing to support soldiers and their families when they need support throughout their lives.”

Read the full Review or get more information on “how the Review will affect you”http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/6AB94D86-51B5-4EF6-8FDE-B1088DE3778F/0/20100208_afcs_leaflet.pdf