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Social Housing

Volume 574: debated on Monday 20 January 2014

15. What guidance he has issued to local authorities on prioritising (a) members of the armed forces and (b) local residents for social housing. (902044)

I am incredibly proud that this Government have published guidance strongly encouraging councils to prioritise armed forces members and their families for social housing. Last month we issued guidance ensuring that local homes go to local people.

My constituency has a very proud history of serving the armed forces and was an early adopter of the armed forces covenant. Although I warmly welcome the Government’s efforts to encourage local authorities to prioritise local people when allocating social housing, what is the Minister doing to encourage local councils to make sure that forces families are not disadvantaged by this measure?

As a former squaddie, I think this Government can be very proud of what we have done, whether it is the Help to Buy scheme, the covenant, or making sure that members of our armed forces who have been away from home still have a high priority on waiting lists. That message has gone out to local councils, and they need to adhere to the policy to support members of the armed forces who live in my hon. Friend’s constituency and in many others.