New 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 by Housing Minister
.
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 Rt Hon MP 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 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.
Armed Forces Day (AFD) is an opportunity for the UK public to
celebrate the work of our Armed Forces. Saturday 27 June 2020
will be the 12th annual AFD.
Throughout the COVID-19 response our armed forces have offered
immense support, including coordinating the distribution of
Personal Protective Equipment and playing a key role in recovery
planning
Since 2012, current and former service personnel who have been
recently discharged have not had to be “resident” in an area to
get access to a social home for their families, as part of our
commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. Under the Covenant,
veterans with more urgent housing needs are also eligible for
additional preferences for social housing.
