The Government has announced it is consulting on proposals that would mean members of the Armed Forces and veterans suffering from mental health issues will be prioritised for social housing.

Communities secretary James Brokenshire also said the new proposals would help people who divorce or separate from their partners in the Armed Forces by exempting them from rules requiring them to be a local resident before being given a property.

The new system would mean that applicants for social housing will be asked if they have served in the Armed Forces at the outset of the process to ensure veterans get the help they are entitled to.

Council staff will also get extra training so they can give current and former Armed Forces personnel the housing support they need.

‘We have a duty to ensure our heroic military personnel get the support they need when applying for a social home,’ said Mr Brokenshire.

‘We want to see that applying for social property should not be a challenge in the transition from military service to civilian life.

‘These new measures are part of our continuing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.’