According to the Minister for Veterans,
Kevan Jones MP, theanswer is a resounding ‘Yes’. Veterans World has been looking
at what has been keeping the Minister busy. It’s nearly a year
since the Service Personnel Command Paper was published and improvements
are already having an impact on the Veterans Community. From healthcare
to housing, benefits to career-building, the MOD, other Government
Departments, Devolved Administrations and Local Authorities are all
working together to deliver on the document’s promises.
Not everyone makes the smooth transition back to civilian life, so
initiatives have been developed or expanded to provide those who
are struggling with more support, advice and, most importantly, time
to help them move forward into a new life. Getting on the property
ladder For many, leaving the Services and buying a home may be a
daunting prospect. The MOD is working closely with the Department
for Communities and Local Government to support personnel when they
are making this significant financial commitment. Service Personnel
(with six years service or more) have priority status with all ‘key
worker’ schemes in
England – a parallel scheme is run in Scotland. Wales are committed
to introducing provision within their new affordable home scheme
to be launched soon. Since July 2008, personnel are now able to carry ‘priority
status’ into civilian life for up to twelve months after leaving
the Services. Further, Armed Forces personnel injured in Service
now have their lump sum compensation payments disregarded from the
English scheme’s ‘capital means test’. Discussions
are ongoing with the Devolved Administrations about a similar disregard.
Following the commitment of £20m by the Prime Minister in 2008
to support home ownership for Service personnel, the MOD is working
with the Department for Communities and Local Government/Homes and
Communities Agency to explore opportunities for a bespoke home ownership
scheme tailored to reflect the particular needs of the Service community.
It is planned to launch the scheme in 2009.
Giving a choice
Many Service Leavers choose to remain in the area where they have
served. Changes to housing legislation in December 2008 now mean
they will no be longer penalised for ‘not having a local
connection’ when applying for social housing. The legislation
applies to England and Wales, with guidance issued to Local Authorities
and Registered Social Landlords. It is hoped that Scotland will
follow suit in the future.
"It is right that our servicemen and
women who are seriously injured fighting for their country are
given the housing support they deserve. These new rules mean Service
Personnel must be treated as priority for
specially adapted
homes." - Iain Wright MP, Housing Minister
Bridging the gap
The MOD is working with the Department for Communities
and Local Government and the Devolved Administrations to agree arrangements
where empty MOD houses can be used for ex-Service personnel for an
interim period. If agreed, the arrangement will not jeopardise their
place on the social housing waiting lists.
Priority housing
In April, new guidance was issued to Local Authorities (England and
Wales) advising that seriously injured personnel must be treated
as priority when allocating modified housing. The decision is designed
to help ensure better availability of specially adapted housing with
features such as walk in bathrooms, wider door frames, lowered light
switches, and entry slopes rather than steps
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