The Government has announced a new support system for Armed Forces veterans, called VALOUR.
The plans include £50 million to establish a network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and deploy regional field officers to connect local, regional and national services.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Investment to improve support for our veterans is positive. It is important that this new service strengthens – but does not duplicate – the vast experience councils have of creating partnerships with local veterans’ services. We look forward to collaborating with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Ministry of Defence on a service model that recognises the expertise already in place across local government and directs resources where they are needed the most.
“Councils are committed to supporting the Armed Forces communities, and work hard to deliver duties under the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure they have access to housing, health and community services. This is despite not receiving any specific funding from central government for this.
“The Spending Review must adequately fund councils so they can fully support our veterans.”