Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what account he is taking of veterans' needs in the redevelopment of his Department's housing sites.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) housing supports serving members of the Armed Forces and their families. Where housing is no longer needed, MOD policy is to release it in accordance with Treasury Guidelines. Any sale must achieve best value for money for the Department, and this is usually achieved via the open market. Development of any MOD site, once sold, is a matter for the purchaser.

The vast majority of our Service leavers make a smooth transition into civilian life. The MOD provides education and support to Service personnel due to leave the Armed Forces to prepare them for the transition to civilian life. This includes education and advice about future housing options, delivered by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office. In addition, the Government has put in place significant support for those who find the process difficult, including through the £40 million Veterans Accommodation Fund which opened in 2014.

Service leavers have priority in applying for Government funded shared ownership schemes, which has now been extended to 24 months after service. Those injured in Service should also have preferential access to appropriate housing schemes, as well as assistance with necessary adaptations to private housing or Service accommodation whilst serving.

The MOD Referral Scheme also provides support to Service leavers and their families, with social housing offers made directly by housing associations and other charitable housing providers following discharge.