Armed forces families in need of a roof over their heads are to be given greater priority when applying for social housing.

The announcement - the latest development in Wandsworth Council's radical housing reform plan - has received widespread support from the borough's politicians.

Conservative and Labour councillors agreed soldiers, sailors and air force personnel who have a link with the borough will be awarded higher priority in the allocation of social housing that’s available to rent.

They will also be given more help and support buying a home under one of the borough's right to buy schemes - the most recent one being a £50,000 interest-free deposit, which the authority wants to offer to first time buyers and council tenants to help them get on the housing ladder.

The council - one of only a handful of local authorities across the UK to give greater housing help to service families - will ring-fence at least 15 homes for rent by armed forces personnel this year.

Cabinet member for housing Councillor Paul Ellis said: "We are determined to do all we can to assist the families of those who serve their country. Many are risking their lives on our behalf and so it is only right and proper that we do as much as we can to support them when they need our help.

"This is especially true when people leave the armed forces. The move to civvy street can be a difficult and challenging time and if we can help smooth that process by making sure their housing needs are properly met, then that will be just one small way that we can repay them."

Labour's housing spokesman, Councillor Mark Thomas, said: "Housing can often be a problem for those leaving the armed forces, who have one of the highest rates of homelessness.

Unfortunately, the reality is that there is a desperate shortage of council and housing properties to move into, due to the effects of more than 30 years of the Conservatives' housing policies in Wandsworth.”

"This measure will put the armed forces on a similar footing to other groups that already receive priority, for instance older people and those with a disability."

The council's housing reform plan sparked controversy in May when it emerged "aspirational" people with jobs would be given priority for council homes over the homeless and jobless.

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