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Question for Ministry of Defence

UIN HL5438, tabled on 4 March 2015

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 2 March (HL Deb, col 6), when the programme of preparing servicemen and servicewomen to leave the services and return to civilian life was last reviewed and revised.

Answered on

10 March 2015

Resettlement policy is continuously reviewed and updated, with the most recent update issued in February 2015.

In his comprehensive 2014 review of transition arrangements, Lord Ashcroft concluded that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has robust measures in place which ensure that the vast majority of Service leavers make a successful transition to civilian life. Resettlement support is available for all Service leavers and can include training grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, transition workshops, one-to-one career support, subsidised vocational training support, housing advice, financial briefs and employment support. This support is used by the vast majority of Service leavers and historically around 83% of those who look for work are in full-time employment within six months of leaving.

With regard to the specific issue of veterans homelessness, we recognise that there are some who require additional support which is why the MOD provides extensive help to minimise the risk of military personnel becoming homeless on leaving the Armed Forces. This includes the provision of targeted housing advice and support during resettlement and the introduction in April 2014 of the £200 million Forces Help to Buy Scheme. The MOD also works closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government to honour the commitments made under the Armed Forces Covenant.

In 2014, LIBOR funding was used to launch the £40 million Veterans Accommodation Fund (VAF). The most recently announced VAF project was £8.5 million to the Aldershot Accommodation Pathway, which caters for veterans making the transition from hostel accommodation to independent living. Approximately 275 vulnerable, injured or sick ex-Service personnel from across the country will benefit.