Asked by: Claire Hughes (Labour - Bangor Aberconwy)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps is she taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle veteran homelessness in Wales.
Answered by Jo Stevens - Secretary of State for Wales
This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. The Minister for Veterans and People is working across Government to ensure veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing, as well as health, employment and other areas.
As housing is a devolved matter, we are working with the Welsh Government and the other Devolved Governments to tackle the shared challenge of homelessness.
This Government has financed the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which funds wrap-around support in units of supported housing. Since its inception in July 2023, it has awarded £1,380,214 to providers offering services in Wales.
Veterans in need of housing support can contact their local council or Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. This system provides housing guidance and assistance to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the UK. As of 19 January 2025, over 3,069 referrals have been made and nearly 870 veterans have been supported into housing.