At a meeting with Wychavon councillors on Friday, Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff congratulated the council on its plans to provide new homes in the county for former members of the armed forces and for injured servicemen. Earlier in the week he had also welcomed news of increased funding for armed services accommodation in the Budget.
Locally, Wychavon District Council is working with Rooftop Housing to provide affordable housing for returning servicemen and women, as well as those who have retired from the armed forces. The plans involve a vacant site at Norton Barracks, currently owned by the Ministry of Defence, and previously the headquarters of 2 Battalion, The Mercian Regiment and before that of the Worcestershire Regiment.
Nationally, in last week’s budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed plans to provide an extra hundred million pounds for improvements to armed forces housing. The Chancellor also announcement plans to double the armed forces families’ welfare grant and provide 100 per cent Council Tax Relief for deployed service men and women.
Peter said,
“I am delighted that Wychavon council has taken such a prominent role in supporting our armed forces. This latest project is just the most recent example of that support.
“I would like to particularly praise the work of Councillor Rob Adams who has really championed this cause.
After the budget, Peter who is also the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, commented:
“This is excellent news for armed forces and their families across the country.
“In this budget the Government has again recognised the devoted service and sacrifice of our service men and women.
“I am delighted that both locally and nationally we are taking our responsibility so seriously to those who fight to keep our nation safe.”