Ruth backs new Veterans Strategy in West London

Ruth Cadbury MP has welcomed the Government’s new plan to increase the levels of support given to veterans across Hounslow and the UK. Over 3,000 veterans in Hounslow are set to benefit from a transformational new Veterans Strategy and new investment in Armed Forces housing.

As part of this plan, £27 million in government funding has been announced for local bids to increase the network of wraparound services in recognised VALOUR centres. This new funding will allow local areas to open support hubs, which could be on local high streets and in community centres, to help improve local veterans’ services. Centres will offer guidance and support in health, housing, and employment, and may extend to finance, wellbeing, and integration into society.

The Government is also committing to a new £12 million fund for veterans’ housing and extending Op FORTITUDE – which helps veterans with housing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

This is in addition to the renewal of over 40,000 Service Family Accommodation units which need repairs. This work was made possible by the Government’s deal to bring 36,000 forces family homes back into public ownership earlier this year.

Responding to this, Ruth Cadbury MP said:

“I’m pleased that the Government is taking action to support veterans locally. With over 3,000 veterans living in the Borough of Hounslow alone, I know that this additional support will make a big difference.

I particularly welcome the extra financial support to improve access to housing. The high cost of renting privately in West London continues to hit people locally, and I know that this extra funding to tackle homelessness will make a difference.

I’m glad the Government is fixing the mess they inherited around veterans and forces family accommodation.”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

“The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, and that is only possible through the extraordinary men and women in our Armed Forces.

Our nation owes a duty to those who have served, and this new Strategy recognises veterans as one of our greatest assets.

This announcements will boost support for veterans across the UK, from better healthcare to housing to jobs. Our message to veterans and the Armed Forces community is simple: we are on your side.”