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<p>The Ministry of Defence does not have primary responsibility for homeless veterans
but works closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG),
other Government Departments, veterans' organisations and other service providers
to ensure a coordinated and structured approach to homelessness amongst a small minority
of veterans. Our aim is both to prevent new Service leavers becoming homeless and
to provide an effective safety net for existing homeless veterans. Current measures
to achieve this include enhanced housing advice and assistance to all Service personnel,
and an extension of the Forces Help to Buy Scheme until 2018. In addition, the DCLG
has extended the period within which veterans are given priority for Government funded
shared ownership schemes, from 12 to 24 months after service. Support to our veterans,
including the homeless, is provided through the Veterans UK helpline and website,
the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans Information Service which contacts veterans
12 months after their discharge. The Veterans Gateway, launched on 20 June by a consortium
of charities led by the Royal British Legion, provides a 24 hour advice service to
help with issues such as finance, housing and health.</p>
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