Armed Forces and veteran housing policies: The United Kingdom 2021 vision

Accessing suitable accommodation post transition into civilian life from the military is one of the key markers for future success and wellbeing. For many this process can and does start during their military career. Some veterans however struggle to find appropriate housing often complicated by other difficulties associated with employment, physical and mental injuries or difficulties with relationships. Over the past two years the position of veterans, veterans’ families and Service people in transition in the United Kingdom (UK) has gained increased national and international visibility through the establishment of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. ‘The Strategy For Our Veterans’ (Ministry of Defence, 2018a) contains a key theme: ‘Veterans have a secure place to live either through buying, renting or social housing’. However, the National Audit Office (NAO) recently reported that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is not meeting its commitment to provide high-quality subsidised accommodation to all Service personnel. Satisfaction particularly with Single Living Accommodation has declined in recent years and can impact on the retention of military personnel, risking the MOD’s ability to deliver defence capabilities (NAO 2021). This review looks at the changes made to policy in the UK in the past two years to support quality UK Service accommodation, aid and sustain successful transition and ensure veterans do not want for adequate housing.