The Labour Government is today backing veterans with £50 million for VALOUR, the new UK wide approach to veteran support.
Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.
The service will unlock the potential of this country’s veterans, fostering the spirit of veteran charities, better connecting local and national services, and ensuring support is data driven.
Defence Secretary John Healey and Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns are announcing the new service during VE week, marking a major milestone in meeting this government’s manifesto promise to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant.
Veterans possess unique skills and yet face unique challenges. VALOUR will help ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support to help them reach their full potential.
Labour’s commitment to veterans, which is backed by a landmark £50 million of funding, comes as the nation prepares to celebrate VE Day.
The funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional, and national services – while harnessing the power of data to shape better services.
The new Regional Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers and local government to provide more evidence and feedback driven support for veterans, across housing, employment, health, and welfare.
During their time in office, the Conservatives halved employment support for veterans, cutting the number of armed forces champions in job centres from 100 to 50.
In the final two years of Tory Government, the number of veterans forced to rely on Universal Credit rose by 65 per cent to a shocking 65,000, while homelessness among veterans rose.
A Labour spokesperson said:
“The Conservatives failed veterans in this country. Tory ministers created a postcode lottery for veteran support, halved employment support, and left thousands using Universal Credit just to get by during a cost of living crisis.
“This Labour Government is delivering on our Plan for Change and renewing this nation’s contract with those who serve.”
Labour government backs veterans with new UK-wide approach to veteran support
