Thousands of veterans will get better access to housing, employment, health and welfare support after a £50million funding boost to create a new scheme called VALOUR
Thousands of veterans will get better access to housing, employment, health and welfare support under a new scheme.
A £50million funding boost has been committed to create a UK-wide veteran support system, to be known as VALOUR. The cash will be used to establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK.
Regional Field Officers will be deployed to connect local, regional and national services, bringing together charities, service providers and local government to ensure the right type of support is available for veterans at a local level.
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This will include applying the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, the nation’s promise to support the armed forces community and their families, which will soon gain legal footing as part of Labour ’s manifesto commitment.
The announcement comes as the nation prepares to celebrate VE Day this week, and follows a series of commitments to support veterans from Labour. In December ministers announced that armed forces veterans and their families will get priority access to social housing in England under a change in the rules.
It followed £3.5million of new funding committed to veterans facing homelessness. The Government has also extended National Insurance relief for eligible veteran employers.
In his first speech as PM at Labour’s annual conference in September, Keir Starmer promised to give all military veterans a “guaranteed roof over their head”.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The nation owes a duty to those who’ve served to defend our country, and it is only right that the Government steps up our support to them. The Armed Forces set most people up for success in life but when veterans need help then support is too often a postcode patchwork.”
He added: “Our plan to develop a UK-wide veterans support service will work with enterprising health, employment and housing charities and it is backed by the one of the largest ever Government funding commitments to veterans. This Government is delivering on our Plan for Change and renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve.”
Veterans Minister Al Carns said: “As a veteran who served for 24 years, I recognise the unique challenges they’ve faced and the skills they possess. This new investment will ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support services in the way they need it.”
Director General of the British Royal Legion Mark Atkinson said: “Whilst there are a range of government services already in place for veterans, these services can vary depending on where you live and your access to information about the services available. Improved coordination across health, housing, employment, and mental wellbeing services is crucial to helping veterans lead successful lives.”
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