Veterans to be prioritised for social housing

Veterans to be prioritised for social housing

10:17 AM, 29th June 2020, About 4 years ago 2

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New government measures to ensure access to social housing is improved for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families have been announced this Armed Forces Day (27 June 2020) by Housing Minister Christopher Pincher.

The government has today set out how councils should ensure members of the Armed Forces and veterans who need support with their mental health, because of conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, are given the priority for social housing they deserve.

New measures also mean former spouses or civil partners of serving personnel will be given extra support when applying for social housing. They will be exempted from rules requiring them to be a local resident before being given social housing in the area to ensure they are not disadvantaged when applying.

Guidance has been issued to councils to encourage staff-training so they understand the circumstances of the Armed Forces community and consider their housing needs appropriately. This will also promote a consistent approach across councils in how they consider social housing applications.

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher said: “The health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces, whether they are Regulars, Reservists or veterans, is a priority for this government.

“I want to ensure serving and former members of the Armed Forces who suffer from mental ill health are given the priority for social housing they deserve, together with appropriate care and support.

“There can be no better time than this Armed Forces Day, after such a challenging time, to celebrate the skill, tenacity and professionalism of our Armed Forces. Their contribution has been extraordinary and we are all grateful for their efforts.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “This new guidance is the Armed Forces Covenant in action – government ensuring that the whole armed forces family can more easily access public services.

“The unique circumstances of veterans and service families will now more readily be taken into account when allocating housing and I’m proud that we’re announcing these measures on Armed Forces Day.”


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Comments

Michael Bond

12:40 PM, 29th June 2020, About 4 years ago

Speaking as a former Army officer I am delighted. But this is little more than rearranging the deck chairs the Titanic.
There are huge numbers of people who are hidden homeless. These are the iceberg of which rough sleepers are a very small tip. The problem is the planning system. I am involved in a small project to build social housing. We have already spent about 2 years on the planning process, and do not expect to start building before spring 2021 at best, by which time the process will have cost about £100,000.

Reluctant Landlord

10:03 AM, 30th June 2020, About 4 years ago

I would happily offer my flats to service veterans especially the ground floor ones (in case of mobility issues)...the only issue I have is that if the rest of the assistance they may need like metal health counselling, is NOT in place BEFORE they move in, then I am sad to say I run the risk of potentially having the same difficulties I have now with non vet tenants when they have a crisis. It has a huge impact on the other tenants living above/next door. I have so many cases like these at the moment, and the situation only seems to be growing...
As far as I can see mental heath services are already broken - they can't assist all the people that need real help now. Saying they will prioritise veterans is patronising and meaningless if they can't deliver on the additional services necessary.

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