Veterans to be exempted from local connection rules on social housing: Minister

All former UK Armed Forces Veterans are to be exempt from any local connection or residency tests for social housing applied by local councils in England, under new regulations that will come into force next month (18 December).

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “This will ensure veterans cannot be unfairly penalised where such requirements are in place, recognising the unique challenges they face in trying to build up a connection in a specific local area.”

In a written ministerial statement, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “Having a connection to an area should not be a barrier to housing for those who put their lives on the line for our country.

“The regulations laid today will ensure that no veteran of the regular armed forces will need to meet a local connection test for social housing regardless of when they last served.”

The minister said the relevant statutory guidance would be updated to reflect the changes. “This includes specific guidance on improving access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces with examples of ways in which councils can ensure that Service Personnel and their families are given appropriate priority for social housing. We know that councils use the flexibilities available to them, but we must ensure that no veteran is unfairly penalised.”