New Study To Assess Support Available To Military Families Commissioned By Defence Secretary

Picture courtesy of the Ministry of Defence.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has commissioned a new study that will assess the support available to military families.

The report will be authored by Andrew Selous MP, who has previously served in the Honourable Artillery Company and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

It will analyse the different experiences of service family members, focusing on housing, education, and employment for partners.

Gavin Williamson says it is vital to assess what help and support can be given to forces families, who he called "the unsung heroes of the military community".

"The success of our armed forces would not be possible without the constant support of the service families.

"I’m always inspired by their unfaltering fortitude, and the pride they take in in their loved ones’ service."

The report’s findings, which will be completed by summer 2019, will consider the diverse needs of service families and assess whether the current support on offer is meeting these needs.

The study will also allow the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to further enhance the delivery of vital support for military families.

The MOD has continued to bolster its funding for service families, allocating £5 million to the Education Support Fund, which supports the children of military personnel, and investing £68 million into the improvement of family accommodation.

Last year saw the launch of the Armed Forces Flexible Working Act, which enhances serving personnel’s ability to serve part-time, should their circumstances change, and the announcement of a new scheme to support spouses’ employment, providing vocational training.