Over 3,932 veterans in Rushcliffe are set to benefit from a transformational new Veterans’ Strategy as the government announces plans to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.
New support hubs – which could be on local high streets or in community centres across the country – will help improve local veterans’ services. The centres will be part of the first coordinated national network of support centres for veterans and will initially offer guidance and support on health, housing, and employment. They will connect to a new ‘VALOUR’ headquarters based in the Ministry of Defence, with regional centres and field officers working in communities.
The announcement follows confirmation that £9 billion is being invested in UK military housing, with more than 40,000 military homes being modernised, refurbished, or rebuilt, including 2,596 homes in the East Midlands. The Ministry of Defence has also identified surplus land where 100,000 new homes will be built for both civilian and military families.
The new Veterans’ Strategy contains several initiatives, including:
£27 million to ensure veterans have easier access to essential care and support through a network of innovative new support hubs.
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A £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme to recognise the historic wrongs experienced by LGBT veterans in the armed forces.
A new £12 million fund for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
A clean energy jobs pilot, helping veterans develop the skills they need to do the jobs of the future.
Making the Veterans’ Card an accepted form of voter ID.
The new Strategy recognises veterans as national assets whose unique skills strengthen communities, boost the economy, and enhance national security. The Strategy is built on three priorities: celebrating those who have served, harnessing veterans’ skills, and ensuring effective support for those who need it.
James Naish MP said: “Having led a local authority that received the Gold Award of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme, I’m really pleased to see the government commit to a dedicated Veterans’ Strategy. From innovative new support hubs to world-class NHS support, 3,932 veterans in our community will soon get the support they deserve.
“I’ve seen the benefits of employing veterans first-hand and look forward to seeing how this national Strategy evolves over the next few years.”
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.
“These 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.”
The government has also committed to putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and is extending its provisions to ensure no one who is serving or has served is subsequently disadvantaged by their service.
• Rushcliffe Remembers – Armistice Day in West Bridgford
