Written questions by Brewer.

How many and what proportion of applications (a) submitted and (b) denied for the War Pension were overturned on appeal.

During the Financial Year 2024-25, 7,867 War pension disablement claims were registered. During the Financial Year 2024-25, 3,510 first or second claims were cleared. Of these, 320 claims were unsuccessful. During the Financial Year 2024-25, 125 disablement claims initially unsuccessful/rejected were cleared at Tribunal. Of these 40 were allowed (overturned). All data is reported in the War Pensions Scheme Accredited Official Statistic and can be found at the following link.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/war-pensions-scheme-statistics-2025

What steps his department is taking to help tackle the backlog in applications for the War Pension.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently managing a high volume of War Pension Scheme (WPS) claims, which has resulted in longer processing times. We remain fully committed to improving performance and reducing delays in claim processing. To address these challenges, the Department has implemented a range of targeted measures: Flexible resource management: Teams now have the ability to reallocate resources as needed, while staff are being trained in multiple skillsets to enhance efficiency and build greater resilience across operations. Accelerated processing: Overtime and weekend working have been introduced to expedite the clearance of outstanding claims. Increased capacity: Additional administrative and caseworker staff have been recruited to strengthen processing capabilities and improve overall throughput. The MOD places the highest priority on claims from terminally ill individuals, ensuring they are fast-tracked at every stage. Furthermore, MOD Veterans Services continues to provide dedicated support and assistance to veterans, Service personnel, and their families, ensuring they receive the help they need.

What steps he is taking with the Armed Forces Pay Review Body to minimise the requirement for back pay for service personnel when pension calculations are made.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) aims to put Armed Forces pensions into payment as quickly as possible so as not to cause undue delay and stress, and every individual's pension entitlement is considered with the utmost diligence. We recognise the impact on pension calculations of the late announcement of annual pay awards and are committed to reducing the delay. We announced both the 2025 pay award and 2026/27 pay round two months earlier than last year and remain committed to bringing forward pay announcements further. Defence officials are working with the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body on this year’s pay round and the submission of their 2026 report. We will publish this report and the Government’s response to their recommendations as soon as practicable in 2026, recognising the importance of giving certainty on pay settlements as early as possible. This Government is committed to the independent Pay Review Body process and is focused on delivering fair and timely rewards for public sector workforces, including the Armed Forces, getting well-deserved pay rises to those delivering our vital public services.

If he will take steps to help ensure that military families looking to foster a child have adequate housing to meet the criteria required by fostering organisations.

Defence continually reviews its accommodation policies to ensure they are suitable for modern families. All Service personnel who are active foster carers are entitled to accommodation as necessary to support them fostering children. Families wanting to foster a child for the first time are eligible to apply for suitable accommodation where it is available. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation is committed to providing personnel and their families with high quality, modern and well-maintained accommodation.

How many applications for war pensions which were denied were subsequently overturned on appeal in each of the last three years.

The number of overturned War Pension entitlement appeals from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024: Financial Year2021-222022-232023-24Allowed130125110 Sources: War Pensions Computer System (WPCS)Figures include both first claims to pension and further condition claims.By financial year the tribunal decision was made.Numbers rounded to the nearest 5 in line with the WPS Accredited Official Statistic.Data for financial year 2024/25 is scheduled for release on 3 July 2025.

With reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Spring Statement published on 26 March 2025, where the 37,000 new military homes will be located.

The Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking an extensive review of its Service Family Accommodation portfolio. To ensure a strategic and structured approach is taken, all options will be assessed during the review. The Defence Housing Strategy will be published Summer 2025.