Military veterans told they owe thousands of pounds over clerical error
Hundreds of former UK service personnel have had their pensions cut after being overpaid.
Over 1,000 former British military personnel are facing demands to repay thousands of pounds due to a clerical error, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). More than 1,000 retired service members are being pursued for debts totaling over £5.1 million, with 335 veterans originally overpaid £5.1 million due to incorrect National Insurance calculations.
Ray Lawton, a 70-year-old Royal Artillery veteran, received a letter informing him he owed £8,000 after six years of overpayments. As a result, his monthly military pension was reduced from £550 to £365. Lawton expressed his frustration, stating that he relied on the army and his pension for years and now feels betrayed by the unexpected debt demand.
The Forces Pension Society, a not-for-profit organization supporting military retirees, is aware of numerous overpayment cases, with some veterans facing six-figure sums. Of the 335 veterans affected by National Insurance errors, a third have already paid off their debt, while 52 have agreed to a repayment plan. Combined, these veterans have repaid £304,000 of the £5.1 million owed.
Veterans are calling for more clarity on the debt and its calculation, with some even requesting to have their debts wiped. Former Conservative defence secretary Penny Mordaunt, however, argued that while public bodies have a duty to recover funds, no assessment was made in these cases, and a case-by-case approach is necessary. Lawton, who served 36 years in the Royal Navy, is unhappy with the taxpayer having to cover the mistake but feels the private company should bear the responsibility for their error.
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