London borough representatives attend a workshop on veteran housing

A London VAPC event discussed veteran housing and homelessness with representatives from 13 local authorities.

Thirteen local authorities were represented at a veteran housing policy workshop held at the RAF Club in London on Monday, June 3. Delegates discussed homelessness and Veterans; the allocation of social housing to Veterans and working with others to achieve a coherent approach. The event was organised by London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) and also featured the University of Kent Law School, the Royal British Legion and Renewing the Covenant in the Capital. Representatives from the boroughs of Bromley, Camden, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Haringey, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Newham, Richmond, Southwark, Wandsworth and Westminster were in attendance. Lynn Verity, London VAPC Chairman, said: “We hope the workshop will lead to a coalition of the willing. Housing is an incredibly complex and emotive subject; put it together with a special group like Veterans and it can become even more so.” “But after today we think it’s possible agreement may emerge on, for example, what is best practice; something that could be of real use not just in London but also in other parts of the UK.” Representatives from major charities and veteran welfare organisations also attended, including Veterans UK and the MOD. The University of Kent will create a research programme based on contributions from attendees. The VAPC has said that they aim to collaborate with local authorities to create a better situation for veterans. The 2019 Homeless Veterans in London report recommended local authorities ensuring housing organisations know how to check for service records, improve their service for veterans, and keep staff updated on the law and their duty towards former servicemen and women.

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