The number of homeless veterans dropping, but more needs to be done
17 June 2008
As a member of the Ex-Services Action Group on Homelessness (ESAG), The Royal British Legion welcomes the publication of the latest research, commissioned by ESAG and conducted by Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York on the extent of homelessness amongst veterans The Experiences of Homeless ex-Service Personnel in London.
The Legion is encouraged by the report, which suggests that over the last decade there has been a substantial reduction in the proportion of single homeless veterans in London. The research indicates that this improvement can be attributed to a number of factors including the hard work and dedication of the members of ESAG.
However, it is not all good news. Despite a reduction in numbers, the number of veterans who are homeless in London is still thought to be significant. The researchers have estimated that there are around 1,100 single homeless veterans living in hostels or sleeping rough in London each night.
The researchers have provided a number of recommendations to reduce the risk of homelessness, including enhancing resettlement.
Sue Freeth, Director of Welfare at the Legion said:
“It is good news that this latest research shows that improvements are being made, but clearly homelessness among veterans in London continues to be of some concern. ESAG is already looking at some of the recommendations from the report, and as a member of the Group we look forward to working with the other members on how the remainder can be taken forward."
ESAG Statement on the outcome of the Research Project.
Information for editors
The Legion provides practical assistance to individuals who find themselves homeless through our casework and grant giving. We also continue to campaign for improvements to government and third sector support.
Legion Service provision
The research report recommends greater use of the private rented sector, with appropriate tenancy support, as settled accommodation. It suggests that ex-Service charities might assist this by offering rent deposit schemes. The Legion currently offers financial assistance with rent deposit for private rented homes. As the report highlights there appears to be a lack of knowledge of this and many of the services offered by ex-Service charities, amongst both homeless service users and mainstream homelessness organisations.
This summer, the Legion will be appointing a Client Support Officer (CSO) for the London region. We currently have CSO’s in four areas of the country and are considering a further six posts in the future. Our CSO’s work exclusively with members of the ex-Service community who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or vulnerable for other reasons.
The Legion also runs an external grants programme designed to support specialist third sector organisations. These include services to address homelessness among the ex-Service community.
Campaigning for change
The culture of alcohol use in the Armed Forces was raised in the research report as a possible contributing factor to homelessness amongst the ex-Service community. The Kings Centre for Military Research (KCMHR) published an article in 2007 (Addiction, 2007) on the high level of alcohol use by Service personnel. We are currently consulting with experts on these findings and will be raising the issue with policy makers at all three Party political conferences in September.
As the report notes, some people believe that military life can institutionalise some of those who experience it, leaving them unable to cope with the demands of civilian life. ANational Audit Office report is referenced, which concluded that those serving the longest in military find the transition to civilian life easiest – those with shortest time find it the hardest. This reflects our experience, those who serve only short periods tend to have difficulties that stem from before they Served and have difficulties with the transition - we are working with the MoD to encourage better provision for early and vulnerable Service leavers.
The researchers also highlighted the difficulty that some ex-Service personnel experience when trying to access social housing after leaving the Armed Forces. This is an issue that the Legion believes the Government needs to address. The Legion are currently campaigning for the Armed Forces statutory “homelessness priority need” category be amended to ensure that the preference awarded to those with a Service history is improved.
