In a recent parliamentary exchange, Conservative MP Andrew Bowie raised concerns about veteran homelessness, questioning the Ministry of Defence on its plans to mitigate the issue.
The inquiry was directed at the Secretary of State for Defence and sought clarity on the government’s strategy to support homeless veterans.
Responding to the question, Al Carns, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for Veterans, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “The level of homelessness, including for our veterans, is too high,” Carns stated, mentioning the urgent need for effective measures.
Carns outlined the Ministry of Defence’s efforts with other government bodies to provide comprehensive support to veterans. He noted, “The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working across Government to ensure veterans have access to the support they need on housing, as well as mental health, employment and other areas.”
Furthermore, Carns announced the government’s commitment to developing a new, robust strategy aimed at eradicating homelessness across the country.
“The Government will develop a new cross-Government strategy, working with Mayors and Councils across the country, to put Britain back on track to ending homelessness,” he explained.
Back in 2023, it mwas reported that 2,110 households with someone who served in the armed forces were assessed as homeless in 2022-23, according to figures from the Department of Housing, up from 1,850. Labour analysis of the figures shows 500 veterans’ households are being made homeless every three months.
Do not hold your breath.
I recall that years ago a soldier leaving the army and wanting a council house was told they would not be considered as they invariably had no recent, long-term residency in the town, even if it was the soldier’s home town. I think that got stopped.
The way it works in my district and has since about 2011 is that when u apply you show them your red book or whatever they have now and it shows how long u served so let’s say u did 15 years they assess u give you your banding so A B C or D a being in desperate need and u join you band and in that band u would have your service time added to it so for example u are band B and u have been in that band for 15 years so then that way your… Read more »
Thanks Tim. Good that some common sense now prevails but that was one reason for homelessness, I am sure, back in the day.
This is the same government pushing pensioners into poverty so it’s highly unlikely anything will be done.
Can’t put them up in hotels ,they might come across those that they had fought against (,may be sarcastic with this post) But us Veterans have done our duty, we are yesterdays Papers in the eyes of Westminster discarded. If you’ve done your 22 get your pension at 55 if not 60 .But a few never get too collect as they unfortunately end it rather than relive their trauma. Like John I won’t hold my breath
If you’ve done 22 years and haven’t got a house, what have you been doing?? At least this government are pledging to do something, unlike the previous lot.
I have ,some with mental health issues may of but now have not ,because of the trauma of war has fractured their preseption of normal everyday living ,charities help but that’s charity not the government that used them.and then discarded them
Well said I’ve been homeless 3 times in the last 10 years. No support what so ever I’m 30% disabled according to veterans uk .( complex ptsd ) but gradually my disability as gradually got worse over the years we all know the government’s don’t look after veterans but surely they could find places in hotels for my comrades struggling and give us support ( John. NI Veteran)
Have you applied for a Veterans ID card ? I know its not much but when using your GP or Local Council they maybe able too help if they realise your an Armed forces Veterans and you’ve served your country that’s all I can suggest John
22yrs service paid into Endowment ( ripped off ) Told to DIVORCE ( Best way to secure housing ( SPLITTING FAMILIES UP) ( NOT WHAT I DID ) USED Redundancy. to secure home from private landlord wanted a whole year up front ! NO HELP FROM ( MOD ) Military covenant is just a piece of paper GOVERMENTS DON’T CARE !!!!!!
Probably have to agree to a sex change, like dinner lady Starmer has clearly had. 🐹🦄🏳️🌈👍🏿