Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of support given to veterans in Lincolnshire.

This government is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are easily able to access support in Lincolnshire and 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, Ministry of Defence 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 removed local connection tests for veterans of the regular armed forces in England applying for social housing, and extended the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme to deliver wraparound care and support services across the UK.

In addition, dedicated support is available to veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness or mental and physical health needs through Ops FORTITUDE, 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.