By Giuseppe De Santis
One of the most disgusting aspects of the government’s policies is the treatment of veterans who often sleep rough on the streets because they are denied council accommodation.
In the last few days, two stories have been reported that show the extent of this problem. These stories show the urgent need to address the housing crisis for our veterans.
The first victim of this system is Bob Homans, a former soldier who joined the Army at age 19 and then went to fight in Afghanistan.
After leaving the Army, he struggled with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and requested council accommodation. However, his mother claimed that Worcester City Council deemed him “not a priority” and only offered him a room in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) that was far from his friends and family.
Unfortunately, this became overwhelming for him, and he committed suicide.
The second victim is Emma Keeling, a former army veteran who is a victim of Cornwall’s housing crisis and the precarious rental system, which led to her having to leave the cottage she was living in to move into a tent.
Currently, the 46-year-old has a temporary place to stay, thanks to the Helping Homeless Veterans UK charity, which is covering her hotel expenses in Newquay along with her dog, Misty. However, Emma is determined not to depend on charity and expresses that she is at her breaking point.
Emma has a dog walking and sitting business after being in the Army for over five years, during which she undertook two operational tours in Bosnia and Kosovo.
After her landlord was forced to sell his house, she went to sleep in a tent.
She called Cornwall Council several times to get on the social housing list. However, they cancelled her application because she didn’t have an address, and therefore, she needed to reapply.
To add insult to injury, the council told her she cannot get council accommodation because she works.
Unfortunately, these stories are all too common. It highlights a stark contrast when the government prioritises immigrants and asylum seekers over our own veterans, especially in terms of accommodation.
The British Democrats will address this critical issue with immediate priority, ensuring our veterans are put first.
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