A guide to housing options in England for ex-Service personnel

Abstract: This guide has been developed to help frontline advisers including colleagues in The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), prison, probation and health settings in England, to advise ex-Service personnel and their families when dealing with housing enquiries and homelessness. This guide has been developed in the context of the government’s commitment to ensure armed forces personnel are not disadvantaged when accessing housing. It sets out current legislative obligations for local housing authorities and provides links to other useful sites. This guide also provide details of good practice developed to support service personnel in their transition to civilian life. It is intended as a starting point in assisting ex-Service personnel and their families in the prevention of homelessness. Local authority, public authority and voluntary sector colleagues are encouraged to develop local actions to assist in the prevention of homelessness. Other local services also have a vital role to play in meeting housing need and in alleviating homelessness. Local authorities should, where possible, seek to prevent homelessness for all client groups – both the statutory and the non-statutory homeless. This guide represents only the views of practitioners working with ex-Service personnel. Local authorities are encouraged to seek specific independent advice to satisfy themselves on any issues or questions raised.