PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (10 October 2014)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available to tenants (a) with and (b) without dependents who are evicted by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on renting in the private and social sector and mortgage applications.

Asked by:
Stephen Doughty (Labour)

Prior to leaving their Service all Armed Forces personnel, regardless of whether they have dependents, are entitled to a wide-ranging resettlement package which assists them to make a successful transition to civilian life. This package includes advice on housing and financial options and can be supplemented by independent financial advice.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government and Devolved Administrations to ensure that Service personnel do not experience any disadvantage as a result of their military service when applying for social housing. The MOD Referrals Scheme assists Service leavers, and their families, with social housing applications following discharge.


In terms of mortgage applications, we have launched the £200 million Forces Help to Buy scheme to encourage and support home ownership among Service personnel, both for those in Service and for those preparing to leave. This scheme is available to all eligible personnel, regardless of whether they have dependants.

The MOD has also provided support to the Riverside Veteran Housing Research Project’s scheme for ex-Service personnel; the Mike Jackson House in Aldershot (which accepts dependents) and the Beacon at Catterick. These focus on helping individuals at risk of homelessness to develop independent living skills and find suitable permanent accommodation, training and employment.

Answered by:
Philip Dunne (Conservative)
17 October 2014