17/09/2009

Boyce To Chair Army Compensation Review

Lord Boyce will head-up an independent review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The former chief of defence staff's appointment follows MoD minister Bob Ainsworth's announcement in July that he would bring forward a review.

Lord Boyce will also chair an independent scrutiny group which will support the review.

The group will comprise representatives of ex-service organisations, a service families' representative, a beneficiary of the AFCS, and medical and legal experts.

Mr Ainsworth said he looked forward to working with Lord Boyce.

"This review needs to be thorough and wide-ranging, and I hope the Royal British Legion and other service charities can play a role in achieving this," he said.

"I am determined that the brave men and women injured on operations have confidence in the compensation scheme.

"And while we have made improvements, including doubling the lump sum for the most serious injuries, we can and we will do more."

Lord Boyce said he is all too aware of the "devastating injuries" our personnel can sustain while serving their country.

"I want to ensure that any scheme adequately meets the needs of those who have risked their lives for us," said the admiral.

Chief Executive of the Royal British Legion, Chris Simpkins, welcomed Lord Boyce's appointment.

"We are confident that the conditions are now in place where real improvements can be made to the treatment of our wounded heroes and, based on our vast experience, we look forward to representing their interests in our evidence to the review."

(PR/BMcc)

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