Government expands veteran support

The UK government has launched new initiatives to improve employment and housing support for veterans, with Operation Ascend and expanded housing schemes, according to Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Carns acknowledged that while the military prepares personnel for service, there has historically been less focus on helping them transition into civilian life.

“I have always said that we train people to join the military and to be in the military, but we do not necessarily train them to be a civilian after they leave,” he said.

“That is why this Government have taken swift action to support veterans upon leaving. Last month I launched Operation Ascend, which will help veterans thrive into post-service careers.”

The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) has helped 88% of veterans move directly into employment since October, while national insurance relief for employers hiring veterans has been extended from April 2026. The government has also awarded £3.7 million in veterans housing grants.

“I am a firm believer that over the past 14 years we did not take enough responsibility for supporting our veterans, and plans that we will unveil in the future will take a step in the right direction to improving that,” Carns added.

Calum Miller MP (LD, Bicester and Woodstock) raised concerns about veteran support networks receiving no funding from the MoD. He referenced the Heyford and Bicester Veterans Group, which relies on voluntary contributions.

“This fantastic initiative brings together a range of services from charities, the NHS and local authorities to support veterans,” he said.

“However, when speaking to Ian [Ridley], I was amazed to discover that the group receives no funding from the MOD, and that veterans in our region are not signposted to its services when they leave the armed forces.”

Miller invited Carns to visit the group to discuss how local initiatives could be better integrated into national veteran support strategies.

Carns acknowledged the difficulty veterans face in navigating available services and said the government is working to improve signposting and access.

“We often find that while there is a great deal of support out there, it is difficult for veterans to navigate the process of finding the right place, and we are working on plans to help them with that,” he said.

Tom Gordon MP (LD, Harrogate and Knaresborough) raised the issue of veterans struggling to access housing through local authorities, despite North Yorkshire being home to several key military sites, including Catterick and Menwith Hill.

“Veterans in my constituency have told me that they often move back there after postings throughout their careers, but they then have problems accessing housing through the local authority,” he said.

Carns confirmed that the government is working with councils to fast-track veterans through the social housing system.

“We work with many councils, explaining to them the covenant as a whole and the need for veterans to be fast-tracked,” he said.

He highlighted Operation Fortitude, which has processed 3,000 referrals and placed 825 veterans into housing.

Lola McEvoy MP (Lab, Darlington) called for automatic job interviews for veterans applying for public sector roles, citing best practices in fire services.

“It is a brilliant idea that would really benefit my constituents, and I think that all those who have gone above and beyond to serve our country should be served by all of us upon their return,” she said.

Carns welcomed the proposal, suggesting that it could be expanded to police, NHS, and other public service roles.

“That is a great initiative. Service beyond service is something that we should be promoting, and I will take that as best practice, have a look at it and see whether we can roll it out across the nation,” he said.