Eastbourne war veteran's benefits slashed after receiving compensation for injuries
Pauline Cole's pension credit was cut to just £11 after being compensated for her service in Yemen
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde's has called it an "insult" that a local veteran's benefits were cut after receiving compensation for injuries sustained during service.
Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole had her pension credit reduced from £77 to £11, after receiving a financial boost following her service in Yemen back in the 1960s.
It's because military compensation is considered 'income' for means-tested benefits.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to meet with Pauline, after Babarinde challenged the decision during this weeks' Prime Minister's Questions.
She said:
"“I fought for my country in Aden and now I’m paying for it.”
“Josh spoke up for me brilliantly - and believe it or not, the Prime Minister actually answered his question. Well done, Josh!”
Following the exchange, Josh Babarinde said:
“This situation is insulting, unfair and wrong. No veteran should be penalised for their service.
Military compensation should not be treated as a luxury.
Veterans like Pauline are being forced to use their compensation to cover essential living costs that their Pension Credit should otherwise be helping with.
Pauline fought for our country, and I will fight for her and the thousands of veterans across the country to push Government to right this wrong.”