News from Gareth Bacon MP (past staff): Funding for homeless veterans reaches £1m

GLA Conservative Gareth Bacon has secured a further £250k cash for homeless veterans in London for 2015/16.

In addition, the Mayor has offered £200k to homeless charities for the renovation of a hostel in Stepney.

The campaign led by the GLA Conservative budget spokesman, Gareth Bacon, brings the total amount of secured funding to £1m over the past three years:

· 2013/14: 300k
· 2014/15: 250k
· 2015/16: 250k (cash)
· 2015/16: 200k (capital offered for Veterans Aid’s hostel in Stepney.)

This will continue to fund temporary accommodation for homeless veterans through the Veterans Aid Emergency Accommodation Project and the Mayor’s ‘No Second Night Out Scheme’.

GLA Conservative budget spokesman, Gareth Bacon, said:

It’s a sad fact that many of our servicemen and women face serious social problems such as homelessness after returning from military service. This cash has already made a significant difference by helping hundreds of veterans access treatment, hostel accommodation, training and employment opportunities. This additional £450k funding will help more people off the streets and help them get back on their feet, lead an independent life and integrate in society. I will carry on working closely with the Mayor to make sure this vital funding continues in future years.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:

Those who serve our country deserve all the help we can give them, as the GLA Tories and the Evening Standard have rightly campaigned for. Although there are now far fewer UK veterans on the streets than there were two decades ago, it’s tragic that last year they still numbered over 120. We have made a demonstrable difference with funding from the GLA, and I am pleased to confirm my Budget this year will include the same amount to help homeless veteran rough sleepers.

The additional funding for 2015/16 will be announced at Mayor’s Question Time at City Hall at 10am.