The Government is spending an extra £3.5 million to support veterans facing homelessness.
The cash will be used to fund mental health support and help with employment and independent living. It will fund services this Christmas and in 2026.
It comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised at a Labor Party conference that all veterans would be “covered”.
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced £10 million of funding to protect rough sleepers from the effects of cold weather this winter.
In last week’s Budget, the government committed an extra £233 million to prevent homelessness next year, taking the total to £1 billion.
£3.5 million will be spent on the Veterans Homelessness Reduction Programme, which aims to reduce the number of veterans sleeping rough on the streets.
The cash will also fund the Op Fortitude Helpline, a referral service designed to help veterans find housing support.
Both services were set up under former chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of Conservative ministers’ pledge to end veterans sleeping rough by the end of 2023.
Official data shows that in the first three months of 2024, 650 households in the UK People who are entitled to accommodation to prevent them becoming homeless include those who have served in the armed forces.
Sir Keir said: “Veterans represent the best of our country and we must respect their sacrifice.
“When I took office, I promised that I would serve our heroes as they serve us.
“Given the sacrifices they have made, they deserve it, which is why this government is ensuring there are homes for heroes across the UK.”
The Government also confirmed that they will fulfill their declaration commitments and fully enshrine the Armed Forces Convention into law.
The Covenant is a commitment to treat those who serve with fairness and respect.
The government says they will Establishment of the Armed Forces Commissioner In The King’s Speech.
The Prime Minister met veterans and charities in Downing Street on Friday to hear about their experiences ahead of Remembrance Day on Sunday.
Defense Secretary John Healey and Veterans Minister Alistair Kearns will also attend.
Sir Keir will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in central London on Sunday alongside former prime minister, defense secretary and new Conservative leader Kemie Badenock.
The Prime Minister pledged back in September to make it easier for veterans to get on the social housing list.
The government’s Homes for Heroes scheme will exempt veterans from the local linkage test used by most councils to decide who is eligible for social housing.
At the time, Sir Keir said: “In every town and town in this country, people are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, they are risking their lives to protect us all, but they will not have a safe environment.” A place to sleep tonight”.
“We can no longer stand by and let this happen.”
Young carers and victims of domestic violence will also be exempted from testing.
The government still needs to legislate for these changes.
