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Veterans given greater priority for social housing
Government guidance on social housing allocations has been updated to improve access for veterans and Armed Forces personnel.
Local authorities must now ensure that members of the Armed Forces and ex-servicewomen and men suffering with mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are given priority for housing.
The new statutory guidance also “strongly encourages” councils to exempt former spouses or civil partners of service personnel needing to move out of Ministry of Defence accommodation from any local connection requirements to qualify for a social home.
Current and former service personnel who have recently been discharged have not had to meet local connection requirements since 2012.
Councils have also been encouraged to train housing options staff to understand the “specific needs and circumstances” of the Armed Forces community.
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It comes after a government consultation on giving veterans with PTSD and other mental illnesses the same priority for social housing as those with physical injuries in early 2019.
The government said it received 233 responses to the consultation including from 106 councils or local government bodies and seven housing associations, with the vast majority in favour of the proposals.
Saturday marked the 12th annual Armed Forces Day, intended for the UK to celebrate the work of the Armed Forces.
Housing minister Christopher Pincher said: “The health and well-being 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.”
Defence people and veterans minister 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.”
