The MoD has announced that it is to double the compensation the given to member of the armed forces are injured during the course of their duties.
The maximum payment will increase to £570,000, on top of a guaranteed income payment for life. There will also be a smaller rise in the awards to service personnel who have sustained less serious injuries. The measures are part of a wider package aimed at ensuring personnel and their families are better looked after in areas such as education and housing.
Defence Secretary Des Browne is due to unveil the Command Paper setting out the new strategy to Parliament. It comes after a Royal British Legion campaign demanded service personnel and their families receive fitting treatment and recognition from government and society.
The forces charity maintained the Military Covenant - which guarantees soldiers fair treatment in return for forgoing other rights - was not being upheld.
Until now, the highest lump sum payment to soldiers like Lance Bombardier Parkinson - who lost both legs and suffered brain damage in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan in 2006, was £285,000. That is expected to be doubled as part of a move that should help at least 80 of the most seriously wounded troops. Another 80 or so men and women with less serious injuries should also see their payouts raised.
