Ex-serviceman finds a home as part of council’s new housing policy

As Remembrance Sunday approaches, a former soldier has found a flat in Hammersmith – thanks to a council policy change that prioritises former members of the Armed Services and other people who make a contribution to the local community.

The former serviceman, who wishes to remain anonymous, served in the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (First Battalion) which saw active service and a recent tour of duty in Afghanistan. But on returning to the UK this year and being discharged from the British Army after four years’ service, he faced being homeless.

He then applied to Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council for housing assistance in September. After the recent changes in law and council policy, the council decided the Private qualified to join the housing register with a high priority, due his contribution as an ex-soldier.

This enabled the council to offer him a local studio flat in September, allowing him to move out of his temporary accommodation.

Cllr Johnson, H&F Council cabinet member for housing, said: “We are very glad we could help this ex-serviceman. We believe those who serve in the name of Queen and country, as this Private has, have earned the right to a council house or access to low-cost home ownership.

“We committed to creating a borough of housing opportunity and firmly believe that those who have made a contribution to society, such as foster parents, volunteers and ex-service people, should be given far greater priority for social housing. These people have all helped our community and we want to help them in return.

“We are also proposing to give armed service members greater priority for low cost home ownership schemes, so they have a better chance of getting onto the housing ladder.”

The council has this year unveiled a range of measures to drive housing growth, tackle the social and economic divide in the borough, and improve council housing services.

These new proposals, which came into force this April, include giving greater priority to those who are working, those in training leading to employment and those making a significant contribution to the community.