The government has confirmed it is changing the rules on accessing social housing to make it easier for armed services veterans.
Under the change, announced in Parliament by housing minister Matthew Pennycook, veterans will be exempt from the local connections rule.
The changes apply to councils with local connection or residency tests determining who can currently qualify for social housing.
According to the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), this will ensure veterans cannot be “unfairly penalised” where such requirements are in place. This, it adds, recognises the “unique challenges” veterans face in trying to build up a connection in a specific local area.
Pennycook said: “Those who put their lives on the line in the service of their country should have access to the housing support they need – this government is making sure they do.
“We will continue to do all we can to ensure homes are there for heroes, as part of our commitment to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.”
Alistair Carns OBE MC, minister for veterans and people, added: “This is a government that is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served and [this] is an important step forward in delivering on our promise that homes will be there for heroes.
“[The] action shows our government is delivering our manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our Armed Forces communities and to ensure veterans have access to the housing support they need.”
The deputy prime minister has previously written to local councils reminding them of their obligation to prioritise veterans for social housing, and MHCLG says the guidance is being updated to reflect these changes.
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