The LGBT financial recognition scheme includes two types of payments, the “LGBT FRS Dismissed or Discharged Payment” and the “LGBT FRS Impact Payment”. The impact payment is available to all those who experienced pain and suffering directly related to the ban on homosexuality in the armed forces, including harassment, invasive investigations and imprisonment. There are three tariff bands: level one £1,000-£5,000; level two £5,000-£10,000; and level three £10,000-£20,000. This is determined by an independent panel.

To enhance decision-making capacity, the independent panel has been extended with the appointment of a second panel chair and additional panel members. The additional panel members will be Joanne Briggs (Chair), Barbara Johnson, Fiona Gardner, Gillian McGill, Kevin Hood, Max Johnstone and Oliver Brown. The independent panel will continue to sit as a chair plus four members, except for in exceptional circumstances.

Both independent panel chair and independent panel members are appointed for a period of 10 months as direct ministerial appointments.

The Government acknowledge the hurt caused by the historic policy banning LGBT personnel in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable and is not representative of defence today. The Government are committed to righting these historic wrongs, supporting LGBT veterans, and improving the experience of LGBTQ+ personnel in the armed forces.

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