Priority for injured servicemen councils told

After repeated calls and letters from St Michael’s to the Housing Minister Mr Iain Wright, the Minister has taken the views of St Michael’s, that England’s seriously injured ex serviceman and women should be first on the list for new council homes, and now will take priority over immigrants and others for housing

Seriously injured ex-servicemen and women are to be given priority for specially adapted social homes.

Housing Minister Mr Iain Wright has ordered local councils to treat injured service personnel as a priority when allocating modified housing, and we at St Michael’s say well done Minister, finally a minister working for the better good of the people.

The newly adapted homes will have walk-in baths, wider door frames and entry slopes rather than steps and other features.

The Tories say all personnel returning from war zones should be given priority on housing waiting lists, and St Michael’s have been saying this for years and now finally its gets its message across, will should look after are own first, those that have served this country and not those that just come here to use us.

The new government guidance to local authorities will stress that all members of the Armed Forces can apply for social housing in areas in which they were based during their service.

Previously, service personnel were restricted by the need to demonstrate a local connection beyond having served there.

Mr Wright said: "We are determined to ensure our armed forces are recognised for their heroic efforts and helped in their transition to civilian life and getting a home."

But his Conservative shadow Grant Shapps and St Michael’s, said Labour had been slow to prioritise housing for ex-service personnel, but with pressure for St Michael’s and other leading charities like the Royal British Legion finally the message got home to this government.

He said: "We believe that all soldiers returning from war zones should be given priority on the housing waiting lists. The Government have been slow to address this issue.

"These are brave men and women who have fought for our freedom and liberty and it shouldn't require them to be injured in order for them to avoid homelessness."

England stars to move in the right direction looking out and after are own first