To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact on access to means-tested social service support of the receipt of payment from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme; and if he will make a statement. (135807)

Following the publication of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme ‘Evaluation of First Year’ report on 19 March 2007, Ministry of Defence officials are in discussion with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on the impact of Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) awards on means- tested social services support. The principal focus is on the Disabled Facilities Grant Programme, reflecting the concerns raised by the ex-service community during the consultation for the evaluation report. It has been agreed that the AFCS will be included in any DCLG considerations arising from the recent public consultation on the Government's proposals to improve Disabled Facilities Grant Programme delivery.