Defence Secretary commissions report on support for service families

January 22, 2019

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has commissioned a new study to examine the support available to the different members of military families, including spouses and partners, and children.

Andrew Selous MP, who has previously served in the Honourable Artillery Company and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, will author the report. It will analyse the different experiences of service family members, focussing on spouses and civil partners; long term partners; and children and dependents.

The findings of the report, 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 MOD to further enhance the delivery of vital support for military families.

As part of the study, Mr Selous will engage with key stakeholders, including the three single service families federations, service charities, and the Covenant Fund Trust, which makes grants to support the armed forces community.

Mr Williamson said: “The success of our armed forces would not be possible without the constant support of the service families, who are often the unsung heroes of the military community.

“I’m always inspired by their unfaltering fortitude, and the pride they take in in their loved ones’ service. I’m delighted that Andrew will be considering how we can best support them, as they support those who are keeping this country safe.”

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Gavin Williamson military families support