David Taylor MP backs transformational veterans strategy in Hemel Hempstead
• £27m in government funding goes live for local bids, turbocharging innovative network of wraparound services in recognised VALOUR centres. • Transformational new veterans’ strategy launched to support the nearly 2,500 veterans in Hemel Hempstead and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country.
Nearly 2,500 Veterans in Hemel Hempstead are set to benefit from a transformational new Veterans Strategy as Labour announces plan to renew the nation's contract with those who serve and have served.
New support hubs, which could be on local high streets and in community centres, will help improve local veterans services. Centres will offer guidance and support in health, housing and employment, and may extend to finance, wellbeing, and integration into society.
The local centres will fundamentally transform how assistance is provided, offering the first coordinated national network of support centres. The centres will connect to a new VALOUR headquarters within the Ministry of Defence, with regional centres and field officers working in communities.
The Government is also committing to a new £12m fund for veterans’ housing and extending Op FORTITUDE. These programmes will deliver three years of support services for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, fulfilling the Prime Minister's pledge that homes will be there for heroes.
Delivering on the Labour’s Plan for Change, the new strategy recognises veterans as national assets, whose unique skills strengthen communities, boost the economy and enhance national security. The strategy is built on three priorities: celebrating those who have served, harnessing veterans' skills, and ensuring effective support for those who need it.
David Taylor MP said: “Our transformational new Veterans’ Strategy shows Labour will always stand by those who served.
“Through innovative new support hubs, a boost in funding to prevent homelessness, and access to world-class NHS support – the nearly 2,500 veterans in our community will finally get the support they deserve.
"I will be backing the VALOUR bid in our area to ensure we have the best chance to see new funding going into Hemel Hempstead.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, and that is only possible through the extraordinary men and women in our Armed Forces.
“Our nation owes a duty to those who have served, and this new Strategy recognises veterans as one of our greatest assets.
"Today's announcements will boost support for veterans across the UK, from better healthcare to housing to jobs. Our message to veterans and the Armed Forces community is simple: we are on your side."
Key Points of the Veterans Strategy include:
- £27m released from the £50m VALOUR system, to ensure veterans have easier access to essential care and support through a network of innovative new support hubs.
- Working to end veteran homelessness with a new £12m fund for reducing homelessness and extending Op FORTITUDE.
- Delivering support services for veterans including a dedicated wraparound service for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
- Investing in world-class, veteran-specific NHS support.
- A clean-energy jobs pilot, helping veterans develop the skills they need to do the jobs of the future.
- Extending Nuclear Test veteran medals.
- A new £350,000 competition to recognise and celebrate women veterans.
- The launch of a £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme.
- Delivering on the manifesto commitment to make the Veterans’ Card an accepted form of voter ID.
The Veterans Strategy comes after Labour launched our Defence Housing Strategy. We are getting on with the job of delivering for our commitments to Service personnel by putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and extending the provision.