Homes will be there for heroes, says PM as he seeks to tackle veteran homelessness
Veterans are to be guaranteed a roof over their heads, the Prime Minister has vowed as he made a commitment to tackle homelessness among former service personnel.
Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Sir Keir Starmer said "homes will be there for heroes" and he promised to house all veterans in housing need across England.
Veterans will be one of three groups, including young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse, who will be exempt from local connection or residency tests which are often used by councils to determine who can qualify for social housing.
Sir Keir said: "In every town and city in this country [there are] people who were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, who put their lives on the line to protect us all, but who will not have a safe place to sleep tonight.
"We cannot stand by and let this happen anymore. And so today, I can announce that this Government will respect that service.
"We will repay those who served us and house all veterans in housing need."
The Prime Minister described homelessness among veterans as "another injustice hiding in plain sight on our streets".
Under these new plans, the Government will address issues around current requirements to have a local connection to get housing support in many areas.
A timescale for these changes is yet to be announced.
The news of the Prime Minister's promise was welcomed by the Royal British Legion and Help For Heroes.
HFH chief executive James Needham said: "While this is a positive step, we must all be mindful that homelessness is rarely an issue that occurs in isolation.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the UK Government to understand and implement the changes required to help all veterans and their families live well after service."
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