Improving access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families

Abstract: The Armed Forces Covenant 2011 is a promise from the nation to those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether regular or reserve. It commits that they should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. It also recognises that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured and bereaved. 2. We published a consultation on 9 January 2019 setting out proposals for new statutory guidance for local authorities on how they can assist members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families to access social housing. The proposals would: • Bring together, update and build on existing statutory allocations guidance on the Armed Forces community issued in 2012 and 2013; • Make clear that local authorities are expected to disapply any local connection requirements for divorced or separated spouses or civil partners of service personnel required to move out of accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence (MOD); • Set out how local authorities can ensure members of the Armed Forces and Veterans are given appropriate priority for social housing when suffering from mental ill health; and • Set out how local authorities can identify applications from members of the Armed Forces and Veterans to ensure that they are considered appropriately