Allocation policies to favour armed forces
Members of the armed forces are to be given priority access to social housing under plans expected to be unveiled today.
Defence secretary Liam Fox will outline details of measures to support troops and their families, covering areas such as housing, health and education.
On Friday prime minister David Cameron announced the military covenant, which sets out the obligations the armed forces can place on society in return for their service, would be made law. More details of how this will work are expected today.
Councils are likely to face pressure to favour members of the armed forces when allocating social housing.
The Local Government Association said many councils have already reviewed their allocation policies to ensure servicemen and women are given priority when their return to civilian life.
Baroness Margaret Eaton, chair of the LGA, said: ‘Local authorities will do absolutely everything they can to make that transition as smooth as possible, whether that be finding them a home, helping them into a job, or letting them know what other support they are entitled to.’
