Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his department is taking to improve housing pathways for veterans at risk of homelessness.

The government is fully committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and who have served, to ensure veterans and their families get access to the housing and other support they need.

To help veterans secure accommodation, the Government has removed local connection requirements for regular Armed Forces veterans applying for social housing in England and funding the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme to provide wraparound support across the UK. Veterans who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, can also access dedicated assistance through Op FORTITUDE.

The Government works closely with delivery partners to ensure veterans can access appropriate housing and wider support services. Veterans can also access specialist mental and physical healthcare through Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE, employment and career support through Op ASCEND and the Career Transition Partnership, and assistance for those in contact with, or at risk of contact with, the criminal justice system through Op NOVA.

The Ministry of Defence also provides tailored information, guidance and welfare support through Veterans Services and its network of case managers across the UK, helping veterans and their families navigate and access services, including support with housing.