Veterans
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help veterans access (a) benefits, (b) social housing, (c) compensation and (d) support.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones
This government is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are easily able to access support across the country, when and where it is needed.
Last year we launched a new Veterans Strategy which recognises veterans as a national asset and resets the nation’s relationship with those who have served. Alongside this, we launched the £50 million VALOUR programme, which will make it easier for veterans to access the care and support they deserve.
For general support, MOD Veterans Services provides tailored, holistic information, guidance and welfare support to those who need it through a national network of Case Managers across the UK, ensuring that individuals and families receive comprehensive, joined-up support tailored to their needs.
This government has removed local connection tests for veterans of the regular armed forces in England applying for social housing, regardless of when they served. We have extended the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme to deliver wraparound care and support services across the UK and Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect those in need with help and support.
In addition, dedicated support is available to veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness or mental and physical health needs through Ops COURAGE and RESTORE. Employment support is delivered through Op ASCEND and programmes such as the Career Transition partnership. For those in contact with or at risk of contact with the Criminal Justice System support is available through Op NOVA.
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