East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA Andy Allen MBE, who was seriously injured during an operational tour of duty in Afghanistan, has welcomed the Government's announcement that the Veterans Mobility Fund is to be reinstated.
Mr Allen said: “As someone with first-hand experience of life in a wheelchair, I know the crucial importance of schemes such as the Veterans Mobility Fund. That's why when I became aware that the Government had decided to allow this fund to lapse, I raised the need for its reinstatement on several occasions with the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP. “The Veterans Mobility Fund, which was first set up in 2016 with a five-year commitment of £3m from HM Treasury, has already supported hundreds of Veterans across the United Kingdom who suffered serious physical injuries during service to purchase specialist mobility equipment to support their daily lives. “I very much welcome that the Government has listened to the many voices who highlighted the need for this fund to be reinstated and would acknowledge the role played by the Minister for Veterans Affairs in securing this outcome. On this, he has listened and delivered. “In addition to the Mobility Fund, the Chancellor has also pledged £20 million for a newly established Veterans Capital Housing Fund which aims to provide veterans with either new build housing or refurbished veteran charitable housing, which is another welcome support measure. I have already sought a meeting with the Minister for Veterans Affairs to understand how Veterans in Northern Ireland will be supported through this fund.”