Social housing to be prioritised for veterans

28 Jun 2020 02:18 PM

New measures announced to provide improved access for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families to social housing.

• Housing Minister announces improved access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces and veterans suffering from mental ill health 
• Other new measures will ensure former spouses or civil partners of serving personnel are not disadvantaged when applying for social housing
• The government is committed to making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran and to ensuring serving and former personnel do not face disadvantages when seeking social housing

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

The government recently 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.

Click here for the full press release