Please help.... Squaddies On the Streets after Serving Country!!!
 

Guy's.
A few years ago I was made redundent from the RAF.On re-locating back home I applied for a council house.I was told that I would have to wait a minimum of seven years before I became eligable for a home.Therefore I had to rent from a private landlord at a high cost.
All of this was despite me moving back to the same location as my family & having my Dads address as my home address.
Even today,ex-servicemen & women are being discriminated against in this way. We currently have a petition going thru the British Parliment to get the housing rules changed.
All I am asking is this,That you take a few minutes of your time & please sign the petition.The military forces where ever you live have provide us all here with entertainment & subject to model.
Please do ths small thing for them.
Thank you.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forceshousing/

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Done (ex-RAF myself, I was lucky enough to be able to live with my brother until I got on my feet - everyone isn't so fortunate).

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Done :)

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done .

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Done...

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Done, my Dad was in the RAF

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My dad was in the SS but that makes no difference to me :D

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Done.

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well mine took me on to the base & sat me in a Hawker Hunter jet & got me to feel how hot the tyres get when they land - what did yours do :D

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Told me war stories of death and suffering :shrug: :D

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Great petition, but I have to move it to lifestyle...

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Done

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Signed.

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No problem Gavin.
And a big thanks to all that has signed.Would it be too much in asking that each of you forward the petition link on to someone else so we can get as many signatures as possible?
Again,A big thank you !!:D

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I have signed it also:)

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Signed...

My Dad was in Tanks... Nothing so exciting as sitting in a Hunter... Endless visits to the Tank Museum at Bovington!!

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Bump

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I was living with my parents when they went to move abroad. The house we were in was tied to the job my dad was leaving, therefore I would be homeless. I applied to three different Housing Associations, and got nothing back from any of them apart from an acknowledgement from one. I'm not flaming, but why should servicemen get ahead of anyone else? I haven't signed your petition, but good luck to you all the same.

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I've signed it, least I could do

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Look at these O.A.P's who fought in WW1 & WW2. they get nothing so why should you. Some are on the streets right now. At least you have a roof over your head.

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As the petition says
"Housing associations and the Government should review housing allocation policy in respect of establishing local connections to ensure that former members of the armed forces are not discriminated against when applying for housing. This in part would acknowledge the important contribution made by Her Majesty's Armed Forces in defending the United Kingdom's national interests; recognise their commitment and professionalism in the service of the country both at home and abroad and further recognises that following the end of their careers in the armed forces many servicemen and women and their families face considerable difficulties in securing housing appropriate to their needs as civilians."

When you are in the forces, you are often posted to various parts of the country (or abroad) without any choice, every two or three years. This means when you apply for housing, as one of the criteria for eligibility is that you have a local connection to the area, you are often at the end of the queue. Not much of a reward for serving your country.

---------- Post added at 13:15 ---------- Previous post was at 13:13 ----------

Not true - in my area (Adel, Leeds) after the WW2, land was put aside for returning members of the forces to enable them to build homes on it. And they used to send kids up the chimneys around WW1, why don't we do it now?

btw, could you identify any of these WW1 OAP's who are on the street right now?

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No, but subsidised housing, meals and a half decent pension is.

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If you do 22 years - lately, not many have had that chance, with force reductions.

And being on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lets agree to differ. :)

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Yes,Servicemen get housed & fed at lower rates but we also still pay tax back to the goverment even when serving overseas!When I was based in RAFG the Gov were trying to get us to pay poll tax,but not just us but dependents as well even if they were German Nationals married to British servicemen.
All that we are asking is the same right's as every civilian.

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Not to mention not earning minimum wage either

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OK then. Just voicing what I know. My brother in law is in the Army. Managed to buy a house and rent it out while living in his army quarters. Also got paid a handsome supplement whilst being sent to live in Canada for two years, all moving expenses paid of course. My best friends dad was also in the army. Her private education was paid for by the army due to all the postings her dad received. We all have to provide for ourselves out on civvy street for the worst ie redudancy, lack of pensions etc. Being in the army should make you no different from the rest of us. :shrug:

---------- Post added at 13:26 ---------- Previous post was at 13:26 ----------

Sorry, but that is absolute crap.

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I have been asked by the originator of the petition,Hitback,to post this link here.It explains it far better than I could.
Thanks again,
Spike

http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/...c/t=27622.html

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Thank you too all those that have signed the Petition. Interesting points been brought up on here about priority need etc. I started this campaign off two years ago , and its been an uphill battle all the way. My family will be classed as homeless in 4 weeks time, I'm disabled due to service and unable to get a mortgage due to my future employment prospects. All we are asking for is to be treated as equals. Nothing more and Nothing less.

I'm asking you to please read the very large thread before coming back with questions, as the thread will answer them for you. Thank you Spike for placing the thread link on here.

Thank you for your time and vote on the petition. I have also placed the link to the EDM being run in the House of Commons at present. Please email your MP and ask them to sign this impotant Early Day Motion.

Regards
Hitback

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forceshousing/

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An Army private earns (on average) £13866 pa, which if they worked a 40 hour week would be £6.66 per hour. But, since the average is 46 hours per week (see survey), this brings it down to £5.80. The national minimum wage is £5.35 - so you are right, they do earn more than the national minimum wage - 45p per hour more (with no overtime, and being exempted from the Working Time Regulations). And when you are in a combat zone, it is often 12 hours on, 12 hours off (if you are lucky) - all for £5.80 per hour :dozey:

ArmySalaries

Survey

and a quote from the Chief of General Staff
DailyMail
"The newly appointed Chief of General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, has asked whether the men risking their lives are getting a fair wage.

The most recent Armed Forces Pay Review points out that the: 'Army said the proportion working excessive hours particularly among junior ranks was a concern.
"It is possible that junior ranks could earn below the national minimum wage if they consistently worked 55 hours and above (aged 22 and over) or 65 hours and above (aged between 18 and 21)."
There are few if any working weeks as short as 55 or 65 hours on the front line.
In besieged Helmand in Afghanistan, soldiers are often on duty for 16 hours or more a day, every day of the week.
A junior private with a year's post-training service earns £39.24 a day. There is an extra £6.02 separation allowance a day for being on overseas operations, giving a total of £45.26.
Based on a 16-hour working day, that's just £2.83 per hour. The minimum wage for anyone aged 22 or over is £5.35; £4.45 for those aged 18 to 21. Another way of looking at it is that a junior soldier under heavy fire over a 24-hour period in Helmand is being paid an extra 25p an hour above his standard wage for his trouble. "

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Really


In besieged Helmand in Afghanistan, soldiers are often on duty for 16 hours or more a day, every day of the week.
A junior private with a year's post-training service earns £39.24 a day. There is an extra £6.02 separation allowance a day for being on overseas operations, giving a total of £45.26. Based on a 16-hour working day, that's just £2.83 per hour. The minimum wage for anyone aged 22 or over is £5.35; £4.45 for those aged 18 to 21.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...70&in_a_source

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Between a soldier who has put his life on his line, gets sent to ever hellhole in the world without a word of descent, and endures the horrors of war so that the vast majority of us don't have to, and a (hypothetical, of course) 20 year old slapper with 3 kids from 3 different dads, I know who I think deserves the support.

You're right though OB, its not just servicemen and women, the whole system needs overhauling, but servicemen & women are one group that does get shafted.

And if anyone thinks free housing on barracks is any good, see the news a few weeks ago, with the conditions they have to endure at UK barracks? On top of that we send them in with insufficient equipment to the degree that families have to fundraise to buy essential bits of kit. And that's on top of the equipment that the army should be providing that families can't do anything about, such as sufficiently armoured tanks. Keep treating servicemen and women like this, and we'll probably need a draft in 10-15 years if we there's a war.

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I was in Palace Barracks a few weeks ago,one lad (KOSB) had just been attatched to the Black Watch who are the RIC(Resident Infantry Coy) & had just got his room on the upper floor of one of the older blocks by the Chopper pad.His ceiling leaked & eventually fell in!Yet the Gov are spending millions building a nice shiny new headquarters for MI5 there!!

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I believe the point of the petition is for equity, not to introduce inequity - as the ARRSE link states
"Under legislation at present it states: 15.10 Under s.199(2) and (3), serving members of the armed forces, and other persons who normally live with them as part of their household, do not establish a local connection with a district by virtue of serving, or having served, there while in the forces.

I would like to say this about local connection points, if you do not have a local connection to the area that you are asking to live in, then you have no chance at all. However a civilian only has to live in an area for six months to get a local connection??."

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Seven years where I live!

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You may have a point if people where forced to sign up. However it is voluntary and as such I have no sympathy. If they wanted higher paid jobs they should have done better in school and earned them like the rest of us.

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I doubt anyone signs up for the cash and even if they were economically forced into it you should still be grateful, if they weren't doing it some one would have to, maybe you or I for instance

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You better not be suggest that people in the armed forces are retards that can't cope with any other job :rolleyes: They aren't quibbling over more money, they are asking to be treated on the same level as civillians. Not unreasonable.

Army service is voluntary however, we need people signing up for our protection, otherwise hello national service, drafts, and substandard armies. They should be encouraged.

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Mod edit (Gavin): Please refrain from using that language. The swear filter is there for a reason. Going on your statement,my 5 O-Levels in Physics,Engineering design,Maths,English & Metalwork as well as the qualifications I gained in the RAF for Aeronautical Engineering,Weaponry & EOD as well as the courses I have done since leaving the RAF mean I'm stupid then.
You must be a professor !!
If that is the level of your intelligent reply,take a look in the mirror!

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I have signed it, thank you for bringing it to our attention

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The criteria for gaining a local connection is, 6 months in 1 year or 3 years in 5. However Councils seem to be able to change that when ever they wish.

If this issue has got you thinking about giving greater support, then please email your MP asking them to Sign EDM 288. The link below will show you an updated list of MPs http://www.dorries.org.uk/Story.aspx?ID=322 .

Once again thank you for your support.

Hitback

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:erm: I spent six years in the RAF, because I wanted to serve my country, and had to leave the RAF because of circumstances beyond my control.

When I left, I was fortunate enough to get on a course which got me into IT, which I have done for the last 25 years, and until recently I earned a six-figure package, ran a department of over 100 people, with an annual Capital Budget of £12.5 million and an annual Operational budget of £8.5 million - perhaps I could have achieved more if I had "done better at school"?

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You must be kicking yourself, such wasted opportunities

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13 years RAF myself... our local Council gave me points towards a council house... but still had to wait a year for a pokey little hi-rise flat... and a further 14 years to get a house....

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Bump

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Seven years!? Good lord
Signed it.

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To be fair if they're able bodied they're treated the same as you and I are by the local authority. They don't get negative points because they come from the forces.:)

If you've been in the army (without children*) for several years where's the money gone? Why weren't they saving for their live out of the army?:)

*obviously if they have kids the the money will have gone to them, but in my eyes if you have a family you shouldn't be out there risking their lives surely?:disturbd:

---------- Post added at 23:19 ---------- Previous post was at 23:16 ----------

How is that different to any other able bodied person on the list?

I'm not being funny but why should being in the forces bump you up the list? :confused:

The system is out of line but not just for service men (AND WOMEN).

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Shaun, as posted previously, it's not about bumping up the list, it's about being resident in the area not counting if you are in the Forces - it is trying to make it equal.

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Firstly,when I joined the RAF,It was a career.I was intending to do 22 years & retire.If I was still serving,I'd be retiring next year.But it all changed when the Berlin wall fell.The military were top heavy & redundencies started.
But how many teenagers & men in their early twenties saved like mad for a house do you know.Maybe now they do but back then,being a singly,I saved for a car.
Anyway,Why should I buy a house in,say Stafford when I decide to get married & settle in Scotland or somewhere.If I did buy a house hat would I do with it?Rent it out?Thats ok if you live in the area & can keep a eye on things but what if you're down in Iraq ?
Secondly,I thought your comment;
*obviously if they have kids the the money will have gone to them, but in my eyes if you have a family you shouldn't be out there risking their lives surely?
Was a bit crass.Saying that only single men should go to war is wrong.
Thirdly,When you leave the forces,you're not treated the same by the lcal authorities when you leave the forces. I had to wait for seven years before I was even considered for a house yet one of the neighbours near me was released from prison for assault & was given a home straight away! What makes him special?And all the dole scroungers?The single mothers who get pregnant for a house? (I cite my nieghbours daughter for example.)
I come from this area,have family in this area yet get no help when I was made redundent.
The are injured servicemen invalided out of the services who have it worse than I or any other servicemen ever got.All we want is to be treated the same as our civilian counterparts.
Have a look at the links Hitback posted,you'll see what I mean.
Thanks again to all those who helped.Every signature helps.

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But that was your choice - don't get me wrong, I see your point about the system being unequal (to many groups of people) and it needs changing but I can't see how only campaigning for one group rather than a whole overhaul will get a system that works?

Then you'd need a letting agent to take care of things. Even if you don't buy a house you can still save. I don't mean to comment on your specific circumstances as that's not really right. I'm not after picking your life choices apart. Even so, you must have known that when you left the army you'd need a house to live in.

This is my opinion - I think that if you have kids it's unfair on them and your partner to go to war (where you go to fight and die) and run the risk of coming back home in a coffin. It's just my opinion, nothing more.

I have agreed with you - the system needs changing and equalizing but campaigning for just one section won't fix it.

...and your right to be angry - we were when our house burnt down and the council took 6 months to find me my brother and my mum a house but that's life. Margaret Thatcher sold them all off and no ones built any more. Perhaps the campaign should be for more council houses full stop.

I did agree with you mate, the system need an overhaul. :)

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Shaun, the system of social housing is in disarray and there is a need for a shake-up by Ministers. This campaign is to address the issue of the Homelessness Legislation (local connection) as stated below for service personnel. My personal plight, which is still ongoing, has all come down to the wording of the homelessness legislation. In fact, the amendment made to the legislation on April 2006 by Yvette Cooper MP, was long over due. This amendment was to prevent Housing Associations from refusing to help service personnel who ended their contracts, and were deemed to be making themselves homeless.

I'm also working with another person, who is looking into the bigger picture of social housing for all groups. The ratio of property being built and handed over to social housing / RSLs is not covering the required needs of the public.

The Discrimination is that "A civilian only has to live in an area for 6 months in 1 year or 3 years in 5 to get a local connection". This is not given as an option to serving members of the armed forces. 15.10 Under 199(2) and (3) of the Homelessness Legislation. The Act 2002 Special Bulletin Appendix 4, Page 135 Para 8.20 to 8.24. Vulnerable Peoples Act will never work for service personnel, due to the above Act 15.10.

I know for a fact that 10% of social housing was handed over to the Imigration Office, FACT not FICTION.
If this wasn't fact, then those in government would have ripped it to pieces.

I had to give a synopsis on Travellers and Gypsies. They're given greater rights to Housing due to them being from a minority group, as stated by Brussels in the European Parliament. The point is, that itinerant people don't want housing, they want pitches for their lifestyle and mode of transport / living.

Prisoners who have been incarcerated for a long period of time and become cacooned in the prison system, will be given priority housing through the prison release system.

Why have 199(2) and (3) in the homelssness Legislation? What is it for, Why only for serving military personnel?

Would we allow any other group to be prevented the same rights?

In conclusion. Ministers understand there is a case for discrimination and that is why they have placed an EDM in the House of Commons. In the House of Lords, Lord Garden and others have asked why, Act 199(2) and (3) is in the Homelessness Legislation. This part of the act is disadvantageous to military personnel and their families. Her Majesty the Queen, who is of a greater position than most to be objective about issues. Has directed her Ministers to address the issue. The DCLG and the MoD also acknowledge this is an area that requires to be addressed.


Thank you for your support.

Regards
Hitback

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Phew,,i had to page forward quite a bit before i read a dissenting voice in the form of Orange Bird.

I would say that on the face of it,members or ex members of the armed forces are not discriminated againt. Nor should they be treated with positive discrimination. They join the waiting list just like anyone else. Sorry but its a tough old world.

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Why do some people feel threatend by service personnel asking to be treated the same as others. If this legislation said any other group in our country was not permitted to a local connection due to their employment. People would be asking why.

dooper786, this is not about service personnel getting better treatment, its about getting the same treatment as everyone else. We are asking for the removal of 15.10, Act 199(2) and (3) from the legislation.

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As pointed out by Foreverwar, they do negative points for coming from the forces.

With regards to "where has the money gone?", amry personnel don't get free lodgings while they are posted. The money is automatically deducted out of their account. As pointed out, they aren't earning fortunes as it is.

With regards to "they have kids, they shouldn't be risking their lives", that comment applies to police and fire brigade as well, surely? Due to the amount of jobs, we don't have enough childless people to cover them, factoring in that no everyone can do a job where you put your life in danger for the sake of a stranger.

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So moving back to my home town where all my family live & being told that I would have to wait minimum of seven years before I qualify for a Housing Executive house is'nt discrimination.Yet a recently released prisoner gets a house at the drop of a hat! (like the one living near me who was done for sexual assault!)
Between when I was given my reundency I had around two months to get things in order.And I had to move back from Germany at my own cost!

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Why doesnt some1 put this on digg/slashdot etc... i am sure u will get plenty of publicity and votes U DESERVE!:angel:

ps, i just view digg sometimes, i dnt know exactly how everything works


pps, i have ur first post on a big forum...hope it helps... ;):erm:

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dooper, whilst you were (phew) paging forward quite a bit, you must have missed my previous post (and the others by other posters) which pointed out it was about equality, not positive discrimination - they would love to join the waiting list on the same terms as everyone else, but they are not allowed to.

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With regards to "they have kids, they shouldn't be risking their lives", that comment applies to police and fire brigade as well, surely? Due to the amount of jobs, we don't have enough childless people to cover them, factoring in that no everyone can do a job where you put your life in danger for the sake of a stranger.[/QUOTE]


Ultimately my point was that I feel the whole system needs an overhaul not just a small section of it. :)

As for the money - I don't earn a lot (less than one of my brothers mates who comes home from the army some weekends and spends opening till closing getting lathered) but still manage to save a little and put a roof over my head.:)

Punky, I'd guess the risk assessment of PC Plod working a 12 hours shift would be a lot better than Corporal Joe working 24 hours a day in Iraq or Afghanistan. Again it's what I think I'd can't see what the problem is with me thinking a kid growing up without a father is not great. :(

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Shaun, If we all thought your way, we would all be speaking German and have those nasty camps as well. The fact is we all take risks in life, some more than others. I'm proud to say I served my country and proud to be apart of that band of brothers. The covenant between Her Majestys' Armed Forces and her people has been corroded with time. We all require to build it back up.

Hitback

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Yes agreed, i may have been guilty of not reading the whole story before posting. There must be other people in similar situations who are not service personnel eg people who's normal employment takes them out of the country for lengthy periods of time?

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:erm: these are people who are based in the area before demob - the time spent in the area doesn't count if you are service personnel.

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This is for anyone thats just started to read this thread, to stop you having to reading all the entries the following is what this thread is all about. The link at the bottom will take you to the EDM signatories.

I'm sure you can spare 2 minutes to email these MPs and ask them to sign EDM 288. The link at the (BOTTOM) also allows you to show your support for our serving soldiers. Click the link and sign the petition.


The current legislation discriminates against service personnel and puts them at a distinct disadvantage when requiring help with housing. An early day motion is currently being signed by MPs which if carried, will help change this legislation, but we need more of them to sign it if we are to get the government to take notice. We now need your support to get this through. Go to http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alcm.cfm to find your MP and then Email your MP asking for support for this EDM. Come on ARRSERS, get of your arrse and give us some support!. :plotting:

If you wish, you could always take this simple letter and copy and paste it to your MP via the link. Don't forget to place their name and yours in the pasted letter.


Dear *******

The following EDM 288 has been tabled in the House of Commons. I believe our armed forces should be given all the support they require for their civilian transition, and housing is a fundamental requirement. I hope you will show your support by signing EDM 288.

Yours sincerely

*************

The new list of MPs to email, the important thing is you have to come from their constituency to get them to act. If you get a reply from them then place it on site.


Peter Ainsworth EAST SURREY info@peterainsworth.com

Hilary Armstrong NORTH WEST DURHAM http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/258.html or armstrongj@parliament.uk

Tony baldry BANBURY http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/411.html or baldryt@parliament.uk

Nicholas Brown NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE EAST & WALLSEND http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/516.html

Chris Bryant RHONDDA http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/164.html

Paul Burstow SUTTON & CHEAM http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/433.html or fitzgeraldja@parliament.uk

Ben Chapman WIRREL SOUTH http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/179.html or http://phil-waterfield.members.beeb....eb/Contact.htm

Paul Clark GILLINGHAM http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/501.html or clarkp@parliament.uk

Jim Cunningham COVENTRY SOUTH http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/209.html

This is the Royal British Legion web-site link. It's possible to email your M.P and sign the petition using their links, once on their site scrowl down to Problems with Social Housing on Discharge. Thank you for your help in this matter.

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513626.shtml

EDM 288 list of M.P. signed up to supporting our armed forces for housing.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

Regards
Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

The need for more people to sign the petition is great. Those that have neither signed the petition or emailed their M.P are asked to do so. We need to show a united front on this issue and support our serving soldiers and their families.

I received the following letter today from Service Personnel and Policy Service Conditions MoD. I have made contact with the the department and await their return call. In my request under the FOI, I asked for all correspodance the MoD have had with the DCLG on this issue. The letter, as polite as it is, is not the information I asked for. At least the acknowledge there's an issue to be addressed.

The areas spoken about in para 2, under the LSAP, soldiers that use this option are not permitted to rent out their property or sell it for a certain period. the social housing Nomination Scheme is over subscribed and the waiting list are very long, some Housing Associations have removed themselves from the scheme. The government funded schemes, such as the Key Worker initiative. Military personnel have to have at least 5 years left to run on their contract. The other point is, only a very small proportion of serving personnel are eligible for the scheme, ten thousand military personnel. There are more Civil Servants eligible for this scheme, fifty thousand.

I hope you will continue to support our Armed Forces in this issue. Please sign the petition and email your M.P to sign EDM288.

Regards
Hitback


https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2007/02/24.jpg

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2007/02/25.jpg

Re: Please help....
 

WE now have over 700 signatures on the Petition, but require to break 1000 by the end of next week. I'm sure many people understand that discrimination has no place in this country. However, thats what our serving soldiers and their families have to put up with when leaving the forces.

This petition is about be treated the same as every other subject in this country. No better and No Worse, just the same. I'm sure other users of this site will be willing to pledge their names to the petition. It takes 2 minutes max, and then you have done your part in helping our armed forces.

Thank you for your Time and your vote.:angel:

Regards

Hitback


http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forceshousing/

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513626.shtml

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:bump: Done, yes, i know it's only 25 mins since last post but what the hell, worth it, :place saluting smilie here:

Re: Please help....
 

UPDATE;

I had a meeting with the Shadow Defence Minister, Mark Harper yesterday 19th Feb. I explained the problems faced by service personnel when leaving the forces, and their housing needs. The Shadow Defence Ministers are putting together a forces welfare package as part of their manifesto. This will include service housing and their future housing needs on leaving the forces, as well as some other areas.

I also got introduced to Baroness Thatcher, which was very nice and she looked well.

I hope you will continue to ask friends and family to sign the Petition, and remember to Email your M.Ps asking them to sign EDM 288.

Regards
Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

There are over 800 signatures on the petition now. All we require is for people to continue to sign and pass it on to friends and family. I'm sure we have some people on site that have read these treads, and thought, I'll do it later. All I would like to say to them is, Sign it now. Help friends and comrades in need, show your support, it only takes 2 minutes to do and it will help others in the future.:tu:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forceshousing/

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

My grandfather was in the RAF, & I've got an uncle in the Paras (who recently got back from Afghanistan).


Signed.

Re: Please help....
 

Thats just it, we all, or most of us, have, or have had, family in the forces, so this isn't a petition just to help strangers, this is to help family as well.

Keep it up, spread the word :tu:

Re: Please help....
 

I received the following today. As you will see dialogue between the DCLG and the MoD is happening now. I'm still waiting for my questions under the FOI from the these two departments. I would like to know how many service leavers or serving soldiers could afford the Key Worker Living programme.

The ESAG is the group that looks at homelessness of veterans in London, who looks at the homelessness of veterans around the rest of the country? http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/hom...s/ex_serv.html

This is not the time to stop emailing your MPs, keep asking them to support EDM 288, you can signing the petition. We require to keep up the pressure on the government.


Regards

Hitback
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2007/02/14.jpg

Re: Please help....
 

done. ex sapper

Re: Please help....
 

Done. I would have applied to the RAF if I hadn't been born asthmatic.

Cheers.

Re: Please help....
 

The petition is going well and I've noticed that a LT Col has signed with his rank, good on him. The EDM has got two more MPs signed up, one Tory and Labour. Well done to all those that have emailed their MPs as well as those that have signed the Petition.

I hope you will ask family and friends to sign the petition and email their MPs.

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

Guys,
Thanks for all your help so far.
Lets keep it up.

Re: Please help....
 

An MP has replied to another supporter with the following statement. She stated "with an estimated £5bn expected to be spent on accommodation and housing over the next 10 years". I would like to point out, this is not a pledge to do so, its an open gesture, some spin. The fact is the Homelessness Legislation discriminates against our serving personnel and their families, as well as our veterans and thats wrong. I was talking with the Shadow Defence Minister at the start of this week at the HoC. I asked him what happened to the 1.6bn Annington homes Plc, gave the government for the purchase of all the service housing. I was told that 100million was placed to one side to refurbish the quarters still in use and the rest went to the Exchequer. The Exchequer has made over 100million in the shared profits sale agreement since 1997 to 2004 with Annington homes Plc. Whilst military personnel that buy the Annington homes only recieve 1% for each full 10 years served. My question to the Shadow Defence Minister was why are service families not given greater discount for the homes they once rented. The shared profits sale agreement should be there to assist military personnel onto the property ladder.

If we want changes made to the way we are treated, then we must stand together. Those in power will continue to spin figures, and lie to all of us.

EDM 288 is pressing the issue of housing for service leavers and will continue to do so with your support. Stage One is for you to Email your MP asking them to support this EDM. Stage Two, Sign the Petition via the link below and ask your friends and family to do the same.

Thank you for your time and support.

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

Pity, good luck with it never the less though

Re: Please help....
 

Sorted.

Re: Please help....
 

done dads ex RAF

Re: Please help....
 

The response has been great thank you. The fact we require to keep it, so please email internally to get more support. I hope to see at least 10 more MPs signed up on the EDM next week. The Petition has done great so lets ensure we keep it going.

This site has been great with its support, so please keep it up.

Hitback

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513626.shtml

Re: Please help....
 

The EDM has got two more MPs signed up taking the total to 142, the petition has 1,566 signatures so far. but we require to break the back of 2,000 by the end of the week.

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

Update on EDM 288 and the Petition. At persent 145 MPs have signed the EDM, we really need to get 150 by the end of this week, so please keep emailing them.

The Petition has had over 1,700 signatiures but require to get at least 2,000 by the start of next week. If possible email all your address book contacts asking them to support this petition.

This is a short list of MPs that still haven't signed the EDM. There constituency are after their names. Lets give them as many requests as possible to sign EDM 288.

Thanks for all your help.

Hitback

David Anderson. (Lab) Blaydon http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/252.html

Graham Allen. (Lab) Nottingham North. Postal only House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

Joe Benton. (Lab) Bootle. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/444.html

Ben Bradshaw. (Lab) Exeter. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/324.html

Tom Brake. (LD) Carshalton & Wallington. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/198.html

Dr Roberta Blackman-woods. (Lab) Durham, City of. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/250.html

Bob Blizzard. (Lab) Waveney. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/422.html

Dr Roger Berry. (Lab) Kingswood. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/118.html

Mr John Baron.(Con) Billericay. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/187.html

Mr Alan Campbell. (Lab) Tynemouth. http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/523.html

Re: Please help....
 

The shared Profit agreement between Annington Homes Plc and the Government should be looked into. the Exchequer has made over 100 Million since 1996 and more military locations are being sold on, the shared profit agreement ends in 2012, so I'm sure there's plenty more profits to be had?

Out of the 1.6 Bn that was raised by selling off the Service Family Accommodation, only £100million was placed to one side for the refurbishment of property still being used by military families. I'm sure we all understand that any refurbishment done only painted over the cracks. There is more than enough profit amongst the money being made to address this issue.

This is just a titbit to get people thinking, we do require more signatures on the petition and EDM 288, so please keep up the hard work.

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

This information was sent to me and the only way I could place a box around the information was to scan and paste onto the site. :dunce:

As you will see the government of the day has failed in supporting our armed forces again. The Labour Party has 352 members of the house, but only 38 Labour MP's have shown support. If you live in a Labour constituency then please email your MP and ask them to support our Troops.

Hitback

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2007/03/36.jpg

Alphabetical List of Constituencies and Members of Parliament

http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alcm.cfm



EDM 288
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885


Petition 10 Downing Street
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forceshousing/

Re: Please help....
 

All you have to do is open the link and put your post code in. Then your MPs address and picture will come up. Follow the online instructions and your email will be sent.

Please tell us if you have used this link. There are military camps throughout the UK and some have Labour MP's as their Constituency Minister.

We can change this legislation if we try. Please show your support.

Thank you

Hitback

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513998.shtml

Re: Please help....
 

Done - that's a really good idea, and quick and easy to fill out.

Re: Please help....
 

We now have 156 MP's signed up to the EDM 288, The Petition has 2,215 signatures. This topic is now on 9 web-sites, and getting support from all of them. Thank you for you pledge and help in the issue.

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

update

The EDM now has 162 MP's signed up, that's six in one day. The Petition has got 2,298 signatures and requires more names. So please keep on going with that one. The need for more MPs to sign is evident by these two press release's. Thank you to everyone for their help and tenacity, I know we will change this legislation in the future and help so many comrades.

The following was in a local paper, if anyone in the forces believes that this issue will not affect them, then think on. The people this paper is talking about were comrades once.

Regards

Hitback

Shameful treatment
187 words
1 March 2007
Essex Chronicle Series
(c) 2007 Essex Chronicle .

I have read Anne Fitzgerald's article (about the new centre in Chelmsford for homeless people) in the Essex Chronicle (February 1 issue) with interest. I have never been unfortunate enough to find myself homeless, however it is a well known fact that almost a third of homeless people are from an ex-forces background. These figures are from Shelter and Crisis websites.

You did speak to one man, Jimmy, an ex-serviceman. Does he know that he maybe entitled to help from the Royal British Legion?


A Tory MP, Nadine Dorries Bedford, has set an early day motion trying to help ex-forces and their families have the same rights when they leave the services.

Thanks to this Government, when an individual/s leave they have no rights to even go on to their local authority's waiting list for housing.

Shameful beyond belief, having served one's country. A lot of people are homeless for various reasons, but for the majority of ex-forces who are homeless the reason is this Government and this country's attitude to them.

Andrew Thomas

Address supplied

Re: Please help....
 

Still spreading the word :tu:

Re: Please help....
 

Thanks bopdude, take a copy of the link and send onto friends and family.

This is a great Link to use to contact your MP asking them to support our Armed Forces by signing EDM 288. A third of homeless people are ex-forces, just think about that for a moment.........................................

Now use the link and stop it from happening to any more comrades and their families.

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513998.shtml

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

There are a lot of MP's that have stated they will sign EDM 288, but have failed to do so. If your MP is one of those Minister, then please email them asking why their name has not appeared on the list.

We need to keep this issue a live by emailing MP's and signing the Petition.


Regards

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

done;) :cool:

Re: Please help....
 

The following is an email I sent to the DCLG on the date show. I have requested information on the area's stated below. As you can see by entries above in this thread the MoD are also producing information for me and I should get it within the next day or so. The links provided by FW are interesting so please view them. I will keep this site and others updated on this area of interest. This is why require to keep the pressure on, please keep emailing your MP's if they've failed to sign EDM 288 or get back to your requests. Thank you to all user's of this site for your support. Outstanding:tu:

I am doing alot of background work on other area's that affect our rights to social housing, as you can see from the information below, this issue is getting a lot of coverage. We can get this disgraceful Legislation changed, but we have to keep on the backs of our Political Masters.

Good luck


Regards

Hitback



17/02/07 16:27:42

Dear Fxxxxx,

Thank you for getting back to me. I have re-worded my questions and placed them below.

Thank you for your time on this issue.

Regards

Hitback


1. I would like copies of all correspondance that DCLG has had with the MoD on the issue of;

a. Housing provisions for members of Her Majestys' Armed Forces on termination or completion of their contract.

b. Housing provisions for service leavers of Her Majestys' Armed Forces and Veterans in the Social Housing Sector.

2. All Parliamentary questions asking the DCLG about the issue of housing for service leavers of Her Majestys' Armed Forces and Veterans of the armed forces, as well as the following;

a. All replies by the DCLG to Parliamentary Questions on housing provisions to the above question (2).

b. All party groups of M.Ps who have shown an interest in the need for housing provisions for service leavers and veterans of Her Majestys' Armed Forces.

c. Minister and All Party Groups offical and unoffical, who have asked questions about the Homelessness Legislation 15.10 under 199(2) and (3) and its removal.

3. All correspondence between your department and the Ministry of Defence on the issue of Local Connection legislation and how this impacts on the provision of social housing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 March 2007

Dear Hitback



Thank you for your email request of 17 February seeking information about housing for armed services leavers which we received on 17 February.

You have asked for copies of correspondence between the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Ministry of Defence about the provision of social housing for members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces on completion/termination of their contract. The Department holds the information you are seeking. However, there is a large number of documents and it would not be practicable to send them to you by email. It would therefore be very helpful if you could provide me with a postal address.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 obliges us to respond to requests promptly, and in any event no later than 20 working days after receiving your request. However, when a qualified exemption applies to the information, we are permitted to extend the time for response by a reasonable period. We do, of course, aim to make all decisions within 20 working days, including in cases where we need to consider whether a qualified exemption applies in respect of a request for information.

The specific qualified exemptions we are considering in relation to your request are section 35(1) (a) (the formulation or development of government policy) and section 35(1)(b) (Ministerial communications).

In your case we need to extend our response time limit by 14 working days to give us time to assess whether the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.

Therefore, we plan to let you have a response by 5 April. If there is a need for any further extension of time we will keep you informed.

You have also asked for all Parliamentary Questions to this Department, and replies to them, about the issue of housing provision for leavers from and veterans of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

Parliamentary Questions, and the response to the questions, are published on the parliament website (www.parliament.uk). However, for ease of reference, I have set out below the website addresses for a number of Parliamentary Questions relating to this subject Matter:

PQ 138220 - from Michael Weir MP

http://www.publications.parliament.u...3w16.html_wqn0

PQ 162766 - from Austin Mitchell MP

http://www.publications.parliament.u...4w23.html_wqn6

PQ 49146 - from Nadine Dorries MP

http://www.publications.parliament.u...6w05.html_wqn6

PQ 55977 - from Mark Harper MP

http://www.publications.parliament.u...06052638004440

PQ 86450 - from Mark Harper MP

http://www.publications.parliament.u...06072811011259

You have also asked for information about all party groups of MPs with an interest in the need for housing provision for leavers from and veterans of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, including those who have asked questions about the Homelessness Legislation.

If, by “all party groups of MPs�, you mean those unofficial groups of MPs which have an interest in a particular topic, then I am afraid that we do not have any information relating to these. However, I am aware that a number of MPs signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) put down by Nadine Dorries MP on this subject on 27 November 2006. The EDM is no. 288 and you can find the motion and signatories to it on the Parliament website at:

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained on the Department's website at http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1141769

This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the internal review.

Please contact me if you have any queries about this email letter.



Yours sincerely,


Fxxxxs Wxxxxx

Senior Policy Adviser
Social Housing Management Branch
Zone 2/A4
Communities and Local Government
Eland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5DU

Re: Please help....
 

The FOI from the MoD turned up in the Morning Poston Saturday. At a glance I've noticed the extent of in which Veterans are suffering under this Legislation. The problem is be placed firmly towards Charities, which I believe is incorrect. This is a Governmental issue and should be dealt with by Ministers. By that I mean, Changing the current legislation by removing 199(2)and(3) and investing more cash towards social housing and the area of homelessness. They could always introduce Minister Donation Day, where as they give up a days pay and exspense's, to aid homelessness charities?

I will be placing some of the information from the MoD on here over the next couple of day's. Please keep signing the petition and contacting your MP asking them to sign EDM 288.


Regards

Hitback

Re: Please help....
 

Will do :tu:

Re: Please help....
 

Done!:tu: Jo

Re: Please help....
 

Can I make a suggestion?PM one of the Moderaters here and get the title of this thread changed..that way if it is more concise about the subject matter this thread MIGHT get more viewings and support.


Incog..wife and daughter of ex Servicemen.

Re: Please help.... [Support servicemen & women improving housing issues]
 

Done...

Re: Please help....
 

Well spotted teach :tu: :D

Well done Gavin :tu:

Re: Please help.... [Support servicemen & women improving housing issues]
 

The following question was asked by Mrs Nadine Dorries MP. The reply is by Mr Derek Twigg MP Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans. The second link is a question from Nadine to Yvette Cooper MP for the DCLG. Interesting reply. At least we have got them looking at the issue of Local Connection and it's affects on service leavers.

Well done all those taking part in this very important issue.

Hitback

Derek Twigg
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/...2-20a.119670.h

Yvette Cooper
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/...397#g119671.q0

Re: Please help....
 

Thanks Incognitas.
Hitback suggested the title &,thanks to Gavin, we've changed it to something more suitable.
Again I would like to echo Hitback's sentiments & say a big THANK YOU to you all.
Spike

Re: Please help.... Squaddies On the Streets after Serving Country!!!
 

Done. Ex Royal Engineers, I was 'lucky' enough to be made redundent after 20 years, without the payout God knows how I would have settled into a job and home!