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<p>The £200 million Forces Help to Buy scheme commenced on 1 April 2014, meaning that
Servicemen and women can now borrow up to 50% of their salary, up to a maximum of
£25,000, interest-free, providing a boost to those needing to find a deposit to buy
their own home.</p><p> </p><p>To assist the transition of serving personnel to civilian
life, the MOD offers a wide-ranging resettlement programme which includes a briefing
by the Joint Services Housing Advice Office. This offers advice and information about
a range of topics that armed forces personnel may find useful relating to an individual's
housing needs before they leave the armed forces.</p><p> </p><p>Once a person leaves
service, any need for social housing becomes a local authority matter. The MOD is
working closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure
the fair treatment of service families in need of social housing and ensure they are
given proper priority on housing waiting lists.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises
that there is more that can be done to provide practical support to our veterans and
their families in this area. In February I announced LIBOR funding of £40 million
to support charities which assist veterans with housing needs in order to build new
homes, buy new accommodation and renovate old facilities. Projects are expected to
include hostels and half-way houses for veterans who have fallen on hard times, supported
housing for the wounded, injured and sick, and long-term care homes.</p><p> </p>
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