The move forms part of the UK’s wider homebuilding programme. Credit: William Perugini via Shutterstock.

The UK government has announced the removal of local connection requirements for veterans seeking social housing, facilitating easier access to housing support across the country.

The country’s housing minister stated in parliament that this change exempts all former UK Armed Forces Veterans from restrictions that previously limited their qualification for social housing based on local ties.

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This amendment is set to benefit veterans nationwide, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by local connection or residency tests, which currently affect the majority of councils.

The move acknowledges the difficulties veterans face in establishing local connections due to the nature of their service.

In September this year, the UK’s deputy prime minister urged local councils to prioritise veterans for social housing, and the guidance is being updated to reflect these new changes.

Additional government initiatives are in place to support veterans, including a £3.5m ($4.41m) investment in the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme and the launch of Op FORTITUDE, a centralised referral system for veterans at risk of homelessness.

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Councils have also received increased flexibility in using right-to-buy proceeds and an additional £450m to secure housing for vulnerable families, including veterans.

Furthermore, the government’s housing investment is set to rise to £5bn next year, with an extra £500m earmarked for the Affordable Homes Programme.

This funding aims to deliver new affordable and social homes, contributing to the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes by the next parliament and stimulating economic growth.

UK Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “Those who put their lives on the line in the service of their country should have access to the housing support they need – this government is making sure they do.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure homes are there for heroes, as part of our commitment to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable house building in a generation.”