Armed Forces Commissioner to be a 'strong voice' for troops as bill introduced

The Defence Secretary has welcomed the introduction of the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill in Parliament.

John Healey said the new role, which was a manifesto commitment, will "be a strong, independent voice" that will improve service life.

The introduction of the bill is the first step in legislating the position which will be the first-ever independent champion for serving personnel and their families.

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The commissioner will be a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact service life, from equipment to housing and unacceptable behaviours.

"The new Armed Forces Commissioner will be a strong, independent voice for our forces to improve service life," Mr Healey said.

"Our Government will always stand up for those who serve our country, and our Armed Forces will always have our fullest support. That's why we have already confirmed the largest pay rise for personnel in over 20 years, and are taking further steps today.

"The Armed Forces Commissioner will champion serving personnel and their families who make great sacrifices to help keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad."

The commissioner, who will report to Parliament, will be tasked with holding defence to account and improving service life.

They will have the power to visit defence sites unannounced and commission reports.

Once in post, the commissioner will incorporate the work currently undertaken by the Service Complaints Ombudsman Commissioner whose remit, the Government says, is too narrow and reactive.

The ombudsman can only investigate individual complaints after the Service Complaints Process has finished.