Homelessness among UK armed forces veterans rises by 14%
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The percentage of homelessness among military veterans in the United Kingdom is soaring, simultaneously with a spike in the overall cost of living.
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A homeless man in London, undated. (AFP)
Recent data indicates a 14 percent increase in the number of homeless military veterans in the United Kingdom over the past year, coinciding with a surge in the overall cost of living throughout the country.
According to statistics released by the Department of Housing on Wednesday, the count of households including individuals who have served in the armed forces assessed as homeless in 2022-23 now stands at 2,110, up from 1,850 the previous year.
Analysis by the Labor Party indicates that approximately 500 veteran households are becoming homeless every three months. This month, it came to light that one in three service personnel is residing in grade-four single living accommodation, which represents the lowest rating assigned by the Ministry of Defense.
Despite the government's announcement of over £8.5 million in funding to ensure that no veteran should experience homelessness this Christmas, and the goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2023, recent data reveals a 14 percent increase in homeless military veterans in the United Kingdom.
Additionally, the fact that one in three service personnel is residing in the lowest-rated single-living accommodation underscores the challenges in addressing veteran housing issues.
Where does the funding go?
The funding is supposed to deliver services in more than 900 housing units in the country, where specialist help for veterans, including with health, education, and employment needs, is provided.
The money will also allow for the establishment of a new referral scheme, called Op. Fortitude, which will enable veterans at risk of homelessness to access supported housing and wrap-around specialist care in health, housing, and education.
Homelessness in the UK
Earlier this year, Johnny Mercer, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, emphasized that "No one, especially those who have served this country, should be homeless." He underscored the government's unwavering commitment to ending veteran homelessness by 2023, stating that if former soldiers remained homeless by the end of that year, he would seek an explanation.
Mercer highlighted the government's efforts in securing funding, designing programs, and his dedication to addressing this issue.
In a Thursday op-ed for LBC radio's website, Johnny Mercer shared that 400 veterans have been successfully housed through the scheme. Despite this positive development, he stressed the need for the government to intensify its efforts to expand this support across the country.
Read next: Million estimated homeless across Europe
Steve McCabe, Shadow Minister for Veterans has criticized the government, saying, “After 13 years of Conservative failure, ministers have created a postcode lottery for veterans, and halved employment support, and more veterans are homeless this year than last year.”
On that note, England is facing a homelessness crisis, with the number of people living in temporary accommodation in England at a 25-year high.
The latest estimates suggest that up to 130,000 former soldiers across the UK are homeless.
