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Email your MP - Social Housing for Ex Servicemen

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The British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF) this is their link http://www.baff.org.uk/Home.html On this link you will be able to go totheir campaigns page, there ia a radio interview I gave last year with another service veteran on this issue.

My reason for bringing up the BAFF is, over the past 7 months they have been looking into the legal side of the Legislation and it affect on service leavers. The chair person has been in touch with me and informed me he has some great information on this issue. I will leave it to the BAFF chair person to release the information in the future. The direction the BAFF takes will be interesting and I look forward to their continuing help.

If youn't been on their site, then please do. The federation was set up last year to help support and highkight issue affecting serrvice personnel and their families. I know some people have joined the Federation just for its Pro Bono legal help.:PDT_Xtremez_28:

Hitback
 
This is some MPs from my list that have not signed EDM 288. If we could send an email to as many as possible that would be great. I will place another list up here next week.

If you get a reply or notice one of the names below on the EDM them please inform us on the site.

To get an idea of what EDM 288 is about, please click on the link at the bottom of this entry.

Regards

Hitback

Smith, Ms Angela C. (Lab) * Sheffield, Hillsborough http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/586.html

Smith, Angela E. (Lab/Co-op) Basildon http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/189.html

Stunell, Andrew (LD) Hazel Grove http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/498.html

Simmonds, Mark (Con) Boston & Skegness http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/473.html

Sheridan, Jim (Lab) Paisley & Renfrewshire North http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/835.html

Sheerman, Mr Barry (Lab/Co-op) Huddersfield http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/399.html

Shaw, Jonathan (Lab) Chatham & Aylesford http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/229.html

Swinson, Jo (LD) * East Dunbartonshire http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/830.html

Teather, Sarah (LD) Brent East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/303.html

Williams, Stephen (LD) * Bristol West http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/114.html

Younger-Ross, Richard (LD) Teignbridge http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/326.html

Reid, Mr Alan (LD) Argyll & Bute http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/822.html

Rennie, Willie (LD) * Dunfermline & West Fife http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/821.html

Robathan, Mr Andrew (Con) Blaby http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/460.html (Ex Army)

Ruddock, Joan (Lab) Lewisham, Deptford http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/604.html

Ruane, Chris (Lab) Vale of Clwyd http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/175.html

Ryan, Joan (Lab) Enfield North http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/319.html

Roy, Mr Frank (Lab) Motherwell & Wishaw http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/836.html

Rammell, Bill (Lab) Harlow http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/185.html

Randall, Mr John (Con) Uxbridge http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/396.html

Redwood, Rt Hon John (Con) Wokingham http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/571.html

Plaskitt, Mr James (Lab) Warwick & Leamington http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/35.html

Pope, Mr Greg (Lab) Hyndburn http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/59.html

Prentice, Bridget (Lab) Lewisham East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/105.html

Purchase, Mr Ken (Lab/Co-op) Wolverhampton North East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/655.html

Purnell, James (Lab) Stalybridge & Hyde http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/547.html

Osborne, Mr George (Con) Tatton http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/221.html

O'Brien, Mr Stephen (Con) Eddisbury http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/172.html

O'Brien, Mr Mike (Lab) North Warwickshire
http://www.mikeobrien.org.uk/ Please call his main office.

Munn, Meg (Lab/Co-op) Sheffield, Heeley http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/583.html

McNulty, Mr Tony (Lab) Harrow East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/393.html

McDonnell, John (Lab) Hayes & Harlington http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/643.html

McCabe, Stephen (Lab) Birmingham, Hall Green http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/24.html

Lammy, Mr David (Lab) Tottenham http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/513.html

Lewis, Mr Ivan (Lab) Bury South http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/88.html

Ladyman, Dr Stephen (Lab) South Thanet http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/204.html

Luff, Peter (Con) Mid Worcestershire http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/38.html

Lucas, Ian (Lab) Wrexham http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/465.html

Love, Mr Andy (Lab/Co-op) Edmonton http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/320.html

Lloyd, Tony (Lab) Manchester Central http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/483.html

Linton, Martin (Lab) Battersea http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/623.html

Levitt, Tom (Lab) High Peak http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/588.html

Hunter, Mark (LD) * Cheadle http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/494.html

Howells, Dr Kim (Lab) Pontypridd http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/160.html

Hope, Phil (Lab/Co-op) Corby http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/463.html

Harris, Mr Tom (Lab) Glasgow South http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/832.html

Hague, Rt Hon William (Con) Richmond (Yorks) http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/261.html (He has refused to sign, RAF constituenets have asked him)

Hall, Patrick (Lab) Bedford http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/508.html

Goggins, Paul (Lab) Wythenshawe & Sale East http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/493.html

Gidley, Sandra (LD) Romsey http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/576.html

Follett, Barbara (Lab) Stevenage http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/16.html

Flynn, Paul (Lab) Newport West http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/155.html

Eagle, Angela (Lab) Wallasey http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/177.html

Eagle, Maria (Lab) Liverpool, Garston http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/446.html

Ennis, Jeff (Lab) Barnsley East & Mexborough http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/268.html

Davey, Mr Edward (LD) Kingston & Surbiton http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/429.html
 
The following Statement is what Elovabloke (FROM ANOTHER SITE) will be sending to the listed MPs above. I would also like to wish him all the very best as he has been in hospital, but still been able to show his support. All the very best J.

Hitback

This is what I am sending out to your list. I have no problem if you feel it is ok for others to use if you want to publish it on the site but it might be better if they rejig it a bit.

Support for the Armed Forces

I am writing to you in the hope that you can find time to show some tangible support for our armed forces. At a time when the politicians of this country have promised the armed forces that have been sent at their behest to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq:

a. An increase in armoured support vehicles – due December 2006 – yet to appear in sufficient numbers.

b. A hospital system that allows for service only wards – promised by the PM in October and yet to happen.

c. A speeding up of the inquest system for those who have lost their lives – still not happening.

My colleagues and I feel that by showing your support and signing EDM 288 the Armed Forces could at least see some evidence that the politicians of this country are willing to do something that removes blatant discrimination against service personnel in legislation that has been passed in the House of Commons.

We are not asking for service personnel to receive preferential treatment but to be placed on a level playing field with their civilian counterparts.

Support from our two major parties has at this moment in time been very poor with MP’s who have been asked by their constituencies still refusing to support this EDM. The armed forces appreciate there are no votes in this one but your support will go a little way to restoring some of the trust that has been lost due to failed promises.

EDM 288
Housing associations and the Government should review housing allocation policy in respect of establishing local connections to ensure that former members of the armed forces are not discriminated against when applying for housing. This in part would acknowledge the important contribution made by Her Majesty's Armed Forces in defending the United Kingdom's national interests; recognise their commitment and professionalism in the service of the country both at home and abroad and further recognises that following the end of their careers in the armed forces many servicemen and women and their families face considerable difficulties in securing housing appropriate to their needs as civilians.


Many thanks and please support our troops.
 
My first reply today from Mr Goggins. If you know anyone that lives in his constituency of "Wythenshawe and Sale East" then please ask them to email him via the Royal British Legion Link below.:PDT_Xtremez_28:

Regards

Hitback

Thank you for your email.

As a Minister, Mr Goggins is not able to sign EDMs and due to strict
parliamentary convention he is only able to offer assistance to
constituents.

If you live in Wythenshawe and Sale East Mr Goggins would be very happy
to help.
 
This is the first list of MPs to email. If you get a reply from them please place it on here. The EDM is directly below. if you wish to you could always use the message at the very bottom, its from the RBL site.

I hope you will show your support once again on this issue.:PDT_Xtremez_27:


Regards

Hitback

First List

Smith, Ms Angela C. (Lab) * Sheffield, Hillsborough http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/586.html

Smith, Angela E. (Lab/Co-op) Basildon http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/189.html

Stunell, Andrew (LD) Hazel Grove http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/498.html

Simmonds, Mark (Con) Boston & Skegness http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/email/l/473.html

HOUSING PROVISION FOR FORMER MEMBERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM'S ARMED FORCES27.11.2006

Dorries, Nadine
That this House notes the important contribution made by Her Majesty's Armed Forces in defending the United Kingdom's national interests; recognises their commitment and professionalism in the service of the country both at home and abroad; further recognises that following the end of their careers in the armed forces many servicemen and women and their families face considerable difficulties in securing housing appropriate to their needs as civilians; and believes housing associations and the Government should review housing allocation policy in respect of establishing local connections to ensure that former members of the armed forces are not discriminated against when applying for housing.




Royal British Legion Message to paste to email.


Dear

I was very disappointed to hear that it is so difficult for those leaving the armed services to get social housing. It seems that it is particularly a problem for those servicemen and women with families who want to live in the area in which they have been stationed.

The Housing Act 1996 states that a serviceman or woman should not be treated by the local authorities as being employed in their district. Nadine Dorries, the Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, has taken up the cause and tabled a motion in Parliament asking other MPs to support it.

Will you sign EDM 288? If not, I would appreciate if you could reply with your reasons why not.

Yours
 
Read their reply to our Petition

We received a petition asking:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to change current housing legislation to stop the discrimination against service personnel when they retire from the armed forces."

Details of petition:

"Housing associations and the Government should review housing allocation policy in respect of establishing local connections to ensure that former members of the armed forces are not discriminated against when applying for housing. This in part would acknowledge the important contribution made by Her Majesty's Armed Forces in defending the United Kingdom's national interests; recognise their commitment and professionalism in the service of the country both at home and abroad and further recognises that following the end of their careers in the armed forces many servicemen and women and their families face considerable difficulties in securing housing appropriate to their needs as civilians."

10 Downing Street Reply to Petition

The Government acknowledges the important contribution made by Her Majesty's Armed Forces in defending the United Kingdom's national interests and recognises their commitment and professionalism in the service of the country, both at home and abroad.

The Government is aware that there is widespread concern that the local connection provision in the housing legislation may be making it more difficult for service personnel and those leaving the armed forces to access social housing. The Secretary of State for Communities, Ruth Kelly, has launched a debate about the future role of social housing in England which, amongst other things, will be looking at issues around access to social housing. The issue of local connection for members of the armed forces will be considered as an important part of this work.

The Government is doing all we can to assist Service personnel into affordable home ownership during their career. We announced last year that Service personnel would have priority access to our New Build HomeBuy programme (previously known as shared ownership) alongside other key workers. This allows eligible individuals to buy a newly built home, paying a minimum 25 per cent of the price and a reduced rent on the remaining cost of the home. By allowing service personnel priority access to low cost home ownership while they are serving, we hope to be able to avert housing problems for them later on down the line in addition to addressing recruitment and retention issues in the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defence provides assistance and support in several ways to help personnel in their transition to civilian life. It has set up the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO), which offers advice and guidance in sourcing accommodation, both while in Service and after leaving the Armed Forces.
 
The following is the reply I got back from Mr Camerons PA. I have phoned his office in the HoC and asked about a meeting on this issue as well as send some questions that I would like some answers to. The questions are directly below.


Regards

Hitback

Questions

a. What happened to the 2.6 billion from the sale of SFA to Annington Homes Plc?
b. Why is the profit shared agreement lining the pockets of the exchequer, when service personnel only get 1% for every full 10 years served?
c. What amendments will his party carry out on the Homelessness Legislation 199(2)and(3) if they become the government of the day?



Dear Nick,



Thank you for writing to David Cameron – I am replying on his behalf.



We are grateful to you for taking the time to email regarding the housing and welfare of service leavers. We have carefully noted your concerns and have taken on board the points that you have made.



This is an issue the Conservative Party take very seriously indeed. Both David and members of the Shadow Defence Team have spoken out about this and David has Brize Norton in his constituency which means he has a particular interest in the welfare of forces personnel and families.



David has promised to draw up a special manifesto for Britain ’s Armed Forces families in order to support people “who do so much for us”. For more information please visit the following link; http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=news.story.page&obj_id=136244



Once again, thank you for your email.



Yours sincerely,
 
One more to add to the list. :PDT_Xtremez_30:

Dear Hitback

Peter has asked me to thank you for drawing EDM 288 to his attention to which he is more than happy to add his name and lend his support.


Kind regards,

Thomas Lyon

Parliamentary Researcher to Peter Luff MP (Mid Worcestershire)

Chairman of the Trade and Industry Select Committee

House of Commons

London SW1A 0AA
 
PTP, I found this whilst re-searching for the Social Housing Campaign. I know its very long winded but it must be read. The points being made about Annington as well service accommodation is a little shocking. An example is some SFA is being done up to hand back to Annington Homes Plc to a higher standard than some Service Families are living in. The issue of service personnel getting first refusal on property is contradicted throughout this House of Commons minutes of evidence. Taken Before Defence Committee. The Work of Defence Estates Tuesday 15 May 2007.


http://www.publications.parliament....-i/uc53502.htm#muscat_highlighter_first_match

Regards

Hitback
 
Hitback,

Any chance in your next batch of communications, that you could also make them aware of my petition on no 10's website about the rental increases for married quarters?

Not only are they not helping us with housing when we leave, they're now about to stop any of us being able to save up to buy one if we had the chance.

This is the link if you haven't already seen it:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/MilitaryRent/

Many thanks

GP
 
I have already spoken with the Shadow Defence Minister about the rent increases. If you read the above entry with the link, you will see why this is happening. As I said before on here, the exchequor will lose thousands when the profit shared agreement ends in 2011/12. This is why we are being sqeezed so hard now. Anyone that has bought an Annington Home should be reading the link above as they, I believe, have been screwed over. Those living in substanded accomodation should be asking; why property thats being handed back to Annington is of a better grade than theirs?

Regards

Hitback
 
I now have a reply from Mr Camerons office about a meeting. If he is your MP, then please keep me updated on when he talking next in your constituency.


Dear Hitback,

Many thanks for your further email. Sadly David’s diary is incredibly busy over the forthcoming months and unfortunately he is unable to meet everyone he would like to.


I will however forward your email on to Mark Harper MP, Shadow Defence Minister and ask him to get in touch with you about this.



Regards,


Axxx Bxxxx

Correspondence Secretary

David Cameron's Office

House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA
 
The simple fact that only 9% of other ranks 18% and of officers own their own property. This should be a good sign there is an issue to be addressed.

May be better education on their future housing needs outside the forces, if thats by the JSHAO or by other means, I don't care. However it requires to be done sooner rather than later.

The whole point of this campaign is to change the Homelessness Legislation, it currently discriminates against those that have served their country by being in the Armed Forces.

The point made about arguing between his or her's home location for attaining a "Local Connections" is not correct. There are some Districts that wipe their hands of people that have been away for some time. (Posted personnel also included).

In a Continuous Attitude Survey 37% of responding Officers were either fairly or very disatisfied with the prospects for buying or even renting a house. This rose to 42% for other ranks. There are some service families leaving and going into Hostel Accommodation for some time. In some areas this could be up to 2 years.

Hitback
 
This is my recent reply from another MP. As you can see it does work, all you have to do is contact them and ask them to support EDM 288.

Dear Hitback,



Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I appreciate your concern at the difficulties faced by those leaving the armed forces in obtaining social housing, and I understand your wish to see action taken by the Government to address this issue.



You are right in saying that I do not need to be your MP in order to sign Early Day Motion 288 if I agree with the contents of this, and I am pleased to inform that I have indeed added my signature to this motion, to note the important contribution of the armed forces and to raise my concerns about the housing problems many servicemen and women and their families are experiencing.



You can view the motion, currently signed by 221 MPs, by following this link http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=31905&SESSION=885 and my signature should appear on this following the current Parliamentary recess. I will encourage my colleagues to add their signatures and I hope that the motion will continue to gain support and prompt the Government to action to review housing allocation policy to address the problems faced by former members of the armed forces.



Thank you again for getting in touch, and I hope that you will receive useful responses from the other Members you have contacted in connection with this issue.



Yours sincerely,



Jo Swinson MP







Jo Swinson MP

East Dunbartonshire

Tel: 0141

Fax: 0141

Email: swinsonj@parliament.uk

Web: www.joswinson.org.uk
 
My email to Mr Cameron and his office's response. I believe what they are saying to me is; This is a very small issue so please don't bother the leader of the Party!:PDT_Xtremez_25:



Dear Mr Cameron,



I telephoned your office in London on the 8th May and asked if Mr Cameron would please reply to my email. I was informed by a member of his staff that his office would give me an answer to the meeting.



I served 23 years in Her Majesty's' Armed Forces and I can safely say that all of us that served under a Conservative Party had it a lot better than under the Labour Party. The only real mistake was selling on the SFA to Annington Homes Plc, but the profit shared agreement that still stands could and should be addressed by his party. The exchequer between 1997 and 2004 made over 100 million pounds, whilst those that lived and wished to buy old SFA were given a meagre 1% for ever full ten years served. This I find a disgrace and believe should be corrected in line with current house prices.



On my visit to Ten Downing Street two years ago, I was ignored and my request to see senior members of the government such as the PM, DPM and the housing minister were shunned. I did manage to talk in depth with Mark Harper MP at the House of Commons and the department he works with did release an interesting paper on or around this issue. However TA soldiers and their needs were missing.



I look forward to his response.



Kind regards



Hitback



REPLY

Dear Mr Hitback,

Thank you for emailing David Cameron – I am replying on his behalf.

Thank you for taking the trouble to write. I believe that you are regular contact with Mark Harper's office and they are aware of some of the issues you raise. Please do keep in touch with them on these matters and thank you again for your email.

Yours sincerely,



Dxxxx Bxxxx

Correspondence Secretary

David Cameron's Office

House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA
 
Hitback, I really do applaud your efforts and the dogged way you are constantly at them and ignoring their spin in trying to fob you off. Keep up the good work Sir. :PDT_Xtremez_19:
 
Cooheed. Thanks for those kind words. However, I don't have to continue pressing this issue, I'm housed in a three bedroom semi in the place I wanted to live. BUT------------------------------------!

I am continuing to campaign this issue because the Homelessness Legislation, discriminates against service personnel and their families. The disdain me and my family had to endure from the very people meant to be helping us, was heart wrenching.

I promised myself and others that I wouldn't stop until this legislation is changed for the better. Treating service personnel and their families as equals.
Thats why all of you need to get behind this campaign, to press this issue on those at the top, those that can make changes to legislation.

Regards

Hitback
 
We now have 225 MPs signed up to EDM 288. My MP Mrs Nadine Dorries will be asking some more questions in the HoC when Mr Brown takes over Office. Last night on the national news, there was a story about the lack of housing in this country. Is there any wonder with the influx of EU people coming here!

I would have to say, they require to close the doors to this country and then address the shortage of housing stock. Bloody Labour Party, they can't govern themselves let alone a country!!!!!


Hitback
 
A person from the ARRSE site has been able to get me a meeting with Nick Harvey MP and Bob Russell MP from the Lib Dems. A big thank you to that person, I shall not name but they know who they are.

I have been been in touch with the PA to Nick Harvey MP. I have emailed some information over to her as well as the date inwhich I can visit the HoC. I shall cover the homelessness legislation with BoB Russell and Nick Harvey and other issues affecting service personnel on leaving the forces.

I will keep you updated on the meeting.:PDT_Xtremez_28:

Regards

Hitback
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