The national Armed Forces Covenant sets the following goals for housing:
Members of the Armed Forces community should have the same access to social housing and other housing schemes as any other citizen, and not be disadvantaged by the requirement for mobility while in Service.
Those injured in Service should have preferential access to appropriate housing schemes, as well as assistance with necessary adaptations to private housing or Service accommodation while serving.
Where Serving Personnel are entitled to publicly-provided accommodation, it should be of good quality, affordable and suitably located.
Service Personnel should have priority status in applying for government sponsored affordable housing schemes and Service leavers should retain this status for a period after discharge.
Finding a home
Our housing page provides information and advice about finding a home in Plymouth.
The Homechoice Scheme explains how we deal with applications to join the Council's housing register. There are specific allowances in respect of armed forces personnel.
The government has published national guidance about improving access to social housing for members of the armed forces.
The following advice and schemes are available from the Ministry of Defence:
The Joint Service Housing Advice Office provides on civilian housing options. They also give advice about organisations that can help ex-Service personnel access housing.
The Forces help to buy scheme allows service personnel to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary (to a maximum of £25,000) to help buy a home.
The MOD Tenancy Deposit Scheme allows service personnel to apply for an advance of salary loan to help meet the cost of a deposit for a rental property.
Military Mortgages from Forces Mutual provides advice and help in finding the most suitable mortgage.
Local Housing projects
Stirling Project
The Stirling Project, taking inspiration from the award-winning Nelson Project in Plymouth - a development born from a vision to deliver a flagship housing scheme to help veterans learn construction skills in addition to having somewhere to live - the new development will start in late spring and take around 18 months to complete.
Alabare
Alabare is a charity supporting the armed forces community including the vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people. They help people transform their lives, providing accommodation and helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to live a fulfilled life.
Homelessness
If you are homeless, or think that you are about to become homeless, we can provide you with help and advice. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can assess your situation in detail. Register and find out more information
Phone: 01752 305496 (select option 1)
Email: communityconnections@plymouth.gov.uk
The armed forces charity SSAFA also provides support to veterans who are homeless:
Phone: 0800 2606767
Disabled facilities grants
Our disabled facilities grant service provides help for older people and people with disabilities to manage staying safe at home. Help can include:
- adaptations to the home
- providing equipment
- financial advice and assistance
- moving to more suitable and appropriate accommodation
- household maintenance and repairs for people over 60 or people with a disability
Advice and support is also available from the Royal British Legion's Independent Living Advice team. Phone 0808 802 8080.