William Eichler 24 September 2019

Over 3,500 homeless veterans missing out on council support

Thousands of homeless veterans could be losing out on the enhanced support and housing available to them, figures reveal as a campaign to help homeless veterans is launched.

The latest Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) homelessness data reveals that over the last year just 1,780 homeless veterans were identified by local authority housing services.

Experts working with No Homeless Veterans, a campaign launched today which aims to raise awareness of former members of the armed forces who are homeless, estimates that there may be over 5,000 veterans in need of support.

A new survey released today to coincide with the launch of the campaign shows overwhelming public support for veterans.

Eighty per cent of the British public agree more needs to be done to identify and support veterans at risk of homelessness. The vast majority (95%) believe stable housing is important in helping veterans adjust to civilian life.

‘Most veterans make a smooth transition from military to civilian life, but it is too easy for ex-Service personnel, especially younger veterans and early Service leavers, to end up homeless,’ said Ed Tytherleigh, co-chair at the Cobseo Housing Cluster, which is running the campaign.

‘We believe we can reduce the incidence of homelessness among veterans as close to zero as possible. But this will only happen if we ensure we are effectively identifying veterans and providing a clear housing pathway.

‘We are calling on local authorities and advice agencies to support the No Homeless Veterans campaign, to identify veterans in housing need and channel them through to appropriate support as quickly as possible. Together, we can end this shameful but avoidable situation.’

Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association’s housing spokesman, said: ‘Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and their families are valued members of our communities which is why all councils have signed the voluntary Armed Forces Covenant and work to provide a range of services to support them, including housing, money advice, employment support and health and wellbeing services.

‘Councils are often the first port of call for veterans who have left active service and their families and are committed to trying to provide them with the support they need and deserve.’

Cllr Renard added that there were more than one million people on housing waiting lists and called on the Government to give councils the ‘powers and funding’ needed to build more social housing.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner