Welsh Conservatives today announced plans to introduce a Veterans Card for ex-armed forces personnel.
The card – which would be available to all former service men and women who are resident in Wales – would provide:
- An expansion of the existing free bus pass scheme to include veterans
- Free entry to local authority swimming pools
- Free entry to CADW sites
- Priority treatment for service related conditions/injuries on the NHS
- Priority delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants for home adaption
Plans for the card were announced by Shadow Minister for Local Government Jonathan Morgan AM and Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly Nick Bourne AM, at the party’s Localism policy launch.
Jonathan Morgan AM said: ““Our armed forces do a truly incredible job on a daily basis. Their untiring loyalty, courage and professionalism set an example to all of us and we should continue to show our gratitude in any way that we can.
“Under this proposal, support would be given to local authorities to provide free travel on registered local bus services for all residents who have previously served within the armed forces.
“While many veterans will already qualify for a free bus pass, Welsh Conservatives are committed to expanding this scheme to include the thousands of men and women who have served their country, yet currently remain ineligible.
“The Veterans Card will also provide ex armed forces personnel with a number of other benefits, including free entry to CADW sites and local authority swimming pools and prioritisation for NHS treatment and home adaption that is related to their service.”
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Nick Bourne AM, said: “It is difficult to imagine some of the things that our armed forces do for their country on a daily basis.
“No matter when or where they have served, this commitment would serve as a small acknowledgement of their hard work and determination.”
Welsh Conservatives also launched two other key policies at Bridges Community Centre in Monmouth:
- Make it simpler for a community to call for a referendum on a directly elected Mayor. In addition, we would provide 4 Mayoral referenda in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport & Wrexham in May 2012
- Increase the role of Town and Community Councils in the planning process
Jonathan Morgan said: “All of these policies are aimed at better supporting our communities and giving local people a voice.
“At the moment, the Labour-led government is missing big opportunities. There is too much control in the hands of Assembly Ministers, millions of pounds are being wasted on bureaucracy and communities just aren’t getting the support they deserve.
“Directly-elected mayors – accountable to the public – could transform the running of many Welsh towns and cities. We would give Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Wrexham a chance to decide on having one next year, and make it easier for other communities to call for a referendum on the issue.
“People deserve a direct say in the direction their neighbourhood is taking and giving town and community councils more say in planning would also offer greater control to those who could be affected by decisions.”
