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Combat2Coffee founder and former serviceman Nigel Seaman speaks out as Sir Keir Starmer guarantees housing for all military veterans, young care leavers and domestic abuse victims by exempting them from local connection tests for social housing.
Why it matters: This policy aims to address homelessness among vulnerable groups and ensure they have access to secure housing, regardless of their local connections.
The big picture: Right now, veterans are only exempt from local connection tests for five years after leaving service.
Over 80% of homeless veterans referred for housing support left the forces more than five years ago.
Care leavers and abuse victims often need to leave their local area for safety or support reasons.
What they're saying: Sir Keir Starmer said, "We cannot stand by and let this happen anymore. We will repay those who served us and house all veterans in housing need. Homes will be there for heroes."
Responding to the announcement, Nigel Seaman, founder of Combat2Coffee, said:
"This is a fantastic and very welcome announcement that addresses one of the greatest shames any nation could face – that those who risk their lives for our freedom can be left without a roof over their head."
He also aired his frustrations at the previous government's commitment to resolving the issue:
"Only last year the former Minister for Veterans Affairs, Johnny Mercer, pledged to eradicate homelessness among veterans by Christmas – which unfortunately I do not think he achieved. His vision did not reflect the number of veterans sofa surfing who are not made aware of the support available to them."
Yes, but: Housing charity Shelter warns that changing eligibility rules won't address the fundamental shortage of social housing.
Polly Neate, Shelter chief executive, said: "It's absolutely right that people fleeing domestic abuse, care leavers and veterans are given access to a secure, genuinely affordable home. But changing the rules for who qualifies for homes where won't address the fact that there's just fundamentally not enough social housing available."
What's next: The government says regulatory changes will be brought forward "as a priority when parliamentary time allows".
The bottom line: While welcomed by charities supporting the affected groups, critics argue more social housing needs to be built to truly address the issue.
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