The Soldiers' Charity warn of ‘grave concerns’ over the funding of former Gurkhas
5 January 2010
The Soldiers’ Charity today warned of our ‘grave concerns’ over the funding of former Gurkhas coming to us for help.
Predictions that up to 12,000 Gurkhas could apply for UK residency over the next three years after winning the right to settle here last year would leave military charities with a bill which could reach into the millions.
Col Paul Cummings, Director of Welfare, said a dozen families had already approached him during the two weeks before Christmas.
Of the others expected he said, “They will arrive from an aircraft, they’ll probably have two suitcases
and no more. They’re going to need everything to set up home.”
“Although the Ministry of Defence had set up a resettlement office in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu to help brief applicants about life in Britain, none of the people I have seen have been there.
“Having not been through any preparation in Nepal prior to arrival, they’re coming here with no resources to back them up and no means of sustaining themselves.
“This means that they are reliant on charity for their every day living costs including food, shelter and heating. Whilst we will do everything we can to help them we must not forget the other people that call on us for help and the money we need to set aside for the future, particularly those currently fighting in Afghanistan.
“It is an issue of grave concern.”The Soldiers’ Charity Director of Welfare comments on BBC News
We estimate that new arrivals will need about £2,000 per household to set themselves up with some accommodation and basic furniture.
Dr Hugh Milroy, chief executive of Veterans Aid which deals with homeless former service personnel, said charities were “coping well” with the Gurkhas.
But he warned: “This has the potential to be overwhelming and that is very worrying.”
The MoD said that more than 2,000 people had attended its settlement office in Nepal since it opened three months ago.
Read the article in The Times 06.01.10 Penniless Gurkhas turn to UK charity after Joanna Lumley campaign
(Photo credit: Reuters: Ahmad Masood)