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

[Hitback]

The EDM has now got 215 MPs pledged to it. The last group of five are Labour MPs! Seeing as they are in power lets hope they do something about this disgraceful legislation.

It's all down to the pressure brought to bear on our political masters by all of you that have emailed their MPs. If you haven't read the start of this issue then here is a quick synopsis;

The current Homelessness Legislation discriminates against service personnel and their families. It puts us at a distinct disadvantage when competing with civilians for Social Housing /Housing Associations. 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 the link at the bottom to send a Royal British Legion pre-written email to your MP asking them to support our armed forces.

If you wish to read the EDM and view which MPs have already signed, then go to the first link at the bottom of my threads.

Thank you for all your support.

Regards

Hitback

List of MPs that have signed EDM 288.
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

Royal British Legion Short Cut to send a letter to your MP.
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513998.shtml

[Hitback]

The following letter has been sent to my MP Mrs Nadine Dorries Mid Beds. I shall keep this site and all the others updated on it outcome.

Hitback



Dear Nadine,

I am writing to you to ask if you could organise a meeting with myself and Mr Cameron. I would like to discuss with him the problems en-counted by service leavers under the current Homelessness Legislation 199(2)and (3). As your EDM 288 points out it has an averse affect on those that have served their country and that's not acceptable. The information I received from the DCLG and the MoD shows this issue does have an adverse affect and should be addressed, however, they are also playing with words and not doing anything to move forward.

The armed forces are feeling betrayed by our politicians at present and the covenant has been broken between those that serve and the countries people. As you are aware I have already spoken with Mark Harper MP about this but I believe it requires to be addressed by the leader of his party and I hope the future leader of this country. The website I've been running this issue on have had about 200,000 pings and service news letters have been covering it as well. I talk with many service personnel and their families as well TA soldiers and they feel that the current legislation is a disgraceful act by a countries government.

I also understand that Mr Cameron is a very busy person with lots to cover as the opposition party leader, but this is an issue that affects many service leavers and their families which requires his time and up most attention. I believe those that serve in Her Majesty's Armed Forces will see his support a good reason for electing his party in the next general election.

If more information is required on this issue then please email me or Peter could back brief on whats been going on and the issue in general.

Kind Regards

Hitback

[Hitback]

The fact we in the armed forces pay class one tax whilst in the services. The issue of food is rubbish, most locations are on pay as you dine, so no more perks there. Accommodation charges are moving in line with Social Housing rents in their local areas. OB, all we are asking for is to be treated the same, we have earnt that right!! Haven't we?

This is some MPs from my list that have not signed EDM 288. If we could send an email to as many as possible that would be great. I will place another list up here next week.

If you get a reply or notice one of the names below on the EDM then please inform us on the site.

To get an idea of what EDM 288 is about, please click on the link at the bottom of this entry.

Regards

Hitback

Smith, Ms Angela C. (Lab) * Sheffield, Hillsborough http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/586.html

Smith, Angela E. (Lab/Co-op) Basildon http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/189.html

Stunell, Andrew (LD) Hazel Grove http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/498.html

Simmonds, Mark (Con) Boston & Skegness http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/473.html

Sheridan, Jim (Lab) Paisley & Renfrewshire North http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/835.html

Sheerman, Mr Barry (Lab/Co-op) Huddersfield http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/399.html

Shaw, Jonathan (Lab) Chatham & Aylesford http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/229.html

Swinson, Jo (LD) * East Dunbartonshire http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/830.html

Teather, Sarah (LD) Brent East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/303.html

Williams, Stephen (LD) * Bristol West http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/114.html

Younger-Ross, Richard (LD) Teignbridge http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/326.html

Reid, Mr Alan (LD) Argyll & Bute http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/822.html

Rennie, Willie (LD) * Dunfermline & West Fife http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/821.html

Robathan, Mr Andrew (Con) Blaby http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/460.html (Ex Army)

Ruddock, Joan (Lab) Lewisham, Deptford http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/604.html

Ruane, Chris (Lab) Vale of Clwyd http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/175.html

Ryan, Joan (Lab) Enfield North http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/319.html

Roy, Mr Frank (Lab) Motherwell & Wishaw http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/836.html

Rammell, Bill (Lab) Harlow http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/185.html

Randall, Mr John (Con) Uxbridge http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/396.html

Redwood, Rt Hon John (Con) Wokingham http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/571.html

Plaskitt, Mr James (Lab) Warwick & Leamington http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/35.html

Pope, Mr Greg (Lab) Hyndburn http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/59.html

Prentice, Bridget (Lab) Lewisham East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/105.html

Purchase, Mr Ken (Lab/Co-op) Wolverhampton North East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/655.html

Purnell, James (Lab) Stalybridge & Hyde http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/547.html

Osborne, Mr George (Con) Tatton http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/221.html

O'Brien, Mr Stephen (Con) Eddisbury http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/172.html

O'Brien, Mr Mike (Lab) North Warwickshire
http://www.mikeobrien.org.uk/ Please call his main office.

Munn, Meg (Lab/Co-op) Sheffield, Heeley http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/583.html

McNulty, Mr Tony (Lab) Harrow East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/393.html

McDonnell, John (Lab) Hayes & Harlington http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/643.html

McCabe, Stephen (Lab) Birmingham, Hall Green http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/24.html

Lammy, Mr David (Lab) Tottenham http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/513.html

Lewis, Mr Ivan (Lab) Bury South http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/88.html

Ladyman, Dr Stephen (Lab) South Thanet http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/204.html

Luff, Peter (Con) Mid Worcestershire http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/38.html

Lucas, Ian (Lab) Wrexham http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/465.html

Love, Mr Andy (Lab/Co-op) Edmonton http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/320.html

Lloyd, Tony (Lab) Manchester Central http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/483.html

Linton, Martin (Lab) Battersea http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/623.html

Levitt, Tom (Lab) High Peak http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/588.html

Hunter, Mark (LD) * Cheadle http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/494.html

Howells, Dr Kim (Lab) Pontypridd http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/160.html

Hope, Phil (Lab/Co-op) Corby http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/463.html

Harris, Mr Tom (Lab) Glasgow South http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/832.html

Hague, Rt Hon William (Con) Richmond (Yorks) http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/261.html (He has refused to sign, RAF constituenets have asked him)

Hall, Patrick (Lab) Bedford http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/508.html

Goggins, Paul (Lab) Wythenshawe & Sale East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/493.html

Gidley, Sandra (LD) Romsey http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/576.html

Follett, Barbara (Lab) Stevenage http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/16.html

Flynn, Paul (Lab) Newport West http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/155.html

Eagle, Angela (Lab) Wallasey http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/177.html

Eagle, Maria (Lab) Liverpool, Garston http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/446.html

Ennis, Jeff (Lab) Barnsley East & Mexborough http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/268.html

Davey, Mr Edward (LD) Kingston & Surbiton http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/429.html

[DABhand]

Frank Roy you might get a reply from next year, after he stops partying with his Rangers top on.

Motherwell and Wishaw is supposed to be Jack McConnell's constituency, but lo and behold wee fat Frank somehow is in charge.

[Hitback]

Dabhand, Maybe you could email Fat Frank and ask why he is holding the seat, whist your at it, ask him to sign EDM 288 Please. G Galloway has signed Respect.

List of MPs signed up for EDM 288.
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...05&SESSION=885

The RBL sends your message click on link.
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/cont...g-513998.shtml

[Hitback]

My first reply today from Mr Goggins. If you know anyone that lives in his constituency of "Wythenshawe and Sale East" then please ask them to email him via the Royal British Legion Link below.

Regards

Hitback

Thank you for your email.

As a Minister, Mr Goggins is not able to sign EDMs and due to strict
parliamentary convention he is only able to offer assistance to
constituents.

If you live in Wythenshawe and Sale East Mr Goggins would be very happy
to help.


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

[Tezcatlipoca]

The Government has now replied to the "Forceshousing" online petition:

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page11734.asp

Originally Posted by The Govt

The Government acknowledges the important contribution made by Her Majesty's Armed Forces in defending the United Kingdom's national interests and recognises their commitment and professionalism in the service of the country, both at home and abroad.

The Government is aware that there is widespread concern that the local connection provision in the housing legislation may be making it more difficult for service personnel and those leaving the armed forces to access social housing. The Secretary of State for Communities, Ruth Kelly, has launched a debate about the future role of social housing in England which, amongst other things, will be looking at issues around access to social housing. The issue of local connection for members of the armed forces will be considered as an important part of this work.

The Government is doing all we can to assist Service personnel into affordable home ownership during their career. We announced last year that Service personnel would have priority access to our New Build HomeBuy programme (previously known as shared ownership) alongside other key workers. This allows eligible individuals to buy a newly built home, paying a minimum 25 per cent of the price and a reduced rent on the remaining cost of the home. By allowing service personnel priority access to low cost home ownership while they are serving, we hope to be able to avert housing problems for them later on down the line in addition to addressing recruitment and retention issues in the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defence provides assistance and support in several ways to help personnel in their transition to civilian life. It has set up the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO), which offers advice and guidance in sourcing accommodation, both while in Service and after leaving the Armed Forces.

[Hitback]

Thank you for that Matt D. At least they have stated they will be looking into the Legislation (Local Connection Rule) that only affects service leavers and prisoners of course.

We still require people to email the MPs above and ask them to support EDM 288. If we keep the pressure on, we should see change sooner rather than later.

Regards
Hitback

[spike7451]

Again thanks for that Matt D.
This is a important issue & I for one am so glad of your support!Hopefully,we can end the discrimination forced upon myself,Hitback & so many others like us.
Many thanks again!!

[TheDaddy]

Originally Posted by Matt D

The Government has now replied to the "Forceshousing" online petition:

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page11734.asp

They sent me an e mail with that link in it, lets hope it works

[sollp]

Hello,

I've only just see this thread and would like to sign whatever, so what links would i need as i would also put these on a forum,(Army forum i visit).

Also for the ex RAF, you need a petition for a lifetime supply of slippers for when you leave

[Tezcatlipoca]

Here's one

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

[Hitback]

Sollp the petition has now ended but you can always email your MP asking them to sign the EDM 288. This can be done via the link given to you by Matt D.

The following is the reply I got back from Mr Camerons PA. I have phoned his office in the HoC and asked about a meeting on this issue as well as send some questions that I would like some answers to. The questions are directly below.


Regards

Hitback

Questions

a. What happened to the 2.6 billion from the sale of SFA to Annington Homes Plc?
b. Why is the profit shared agreement lining the pockets of the exchequer, when service personnel only get 1% for every full 10 years served?
c. What amendments will his party carry out on the Homelessness Legislation 199(2)and(3) if they become the government of the day?



Dear Nick,



Thank you for writing to David Cameron – I am replying on his behalf.



We are grateful to you for taking the time to email regarding the housing and welfare of service leavers. We have carefully noted your concerns and have taken on board the points that you have made.



This is an issue the Conservative Party take very seriously indeed. Both David and members of the Shadow Defence Team have spoken out about this and David has Brize Norton in his constituency which means he has a particular interest in the welfare of forces personnel and families.



David has promised to draw up a special manifesto for Britain ’s Armed Forces families in order to support people “who do so much for us”. For more information please visit the following link; http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do...&obj_id=136244



Once again, thank you for your email.



Yours sincerely,

[Hitback]

One more to add to the list.

Dear Hitback

Peter has asked me to thank you for drawing EDM 288 to his attention to which he is more than happy to add his name and lend his support.


Kind regards,

Thomas Lyon

Parliamentary Researcher to Peter Luff MP (Mid Worcestershire)

Chairman of the Trade and Industry Select Committee

House of Commons

London SW1A 0AA

[Hitback]

I found this whilst re-searching for the Social Housing Campaign. I know its very long winded but it must be read. The points being made about Annington as well service accommodation is a little shocking. An example is some SFA is being done up to hand back to Annington Homes Plc to a higher standard than some Service Families are living in. The issue of service personnel getting first refusal on property is contradicted throughout this House of Commons minutes of evidence. Taken Before Defence Committee. The Work of Defence Estates Tuesday 15 May 2007.


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

Regards

Hitback