Forces fast-tracked for housing

MILITARY veterans will be at the front of the queue for help to buy a house under plans to save first-time buyers tens of thousands of pounds.

Many homes will be offered at a 30 per cent discount to help local people and key workers get on the housing ladder.

Police, nurses, teachers, prison officers and firefighters will also be fast-tracked.

Each property will have the discount locked into it – so when the home is sold future buyers also benefit.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, who reveals the First Homes plan today, said: “This will be life-changing for people.

“The discount will be passed on with the sale of the property to future first-time buyers, helping thousands more in years to come and ensuring communities stick together.”

The cost of the discounts will be met by developers through the contributions they make under the planning system.

The Local Government Association said councils need discretion over how to apply changes. Meanwhile, Forces veterans will also get a jobhunting boost with guaranteed interviews for civil service jobs.

The policy will begin in the spring with pilot schemes at departments that are keen to hire veterans, including the Ministries of Justice and Defence, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office, including UK Border Force.

Oliver Dowden, representing the Forces in Cabinet, said: “From teamwork to problemsolving, our veterans have incredible skills and experience that employers cry out for.”