SNP MSP Calls On MoD To Do More To Help Homeless Veterans in Scotland

Gordon MacDonald MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has written to Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson MP, after shock figures revealed the number of army homes left empty in Scotland has skyrocketed.

The figures, uncovered through Freedom of Information, show that the number of vacant MoD properties in Scotland has increased from 690 in 2013 to 1136 this year.

In his letter to the Secretary of State, Mr McDonald states, “The risk of homelessness is all too common among veterans, some of whom will struggle to adapt to civilian life or may suffer from mental illness such as PTSD.

“The Scottish Government is stepping up actions to tackle homelessness – driving forward a number of activities to specifically address veterans’ homelessness. Over the past eight years there has been a 39% reduction in homeless applications in Scotland.

“Recent figures show that 1136 properties, owned by the Ministry of Defence, currently sit empty in Scotland – a staggering rise from 690 vacant homes in 2013.

“While I understand some of these properties are in need of modernisation or have structural damage, many are considered ‘surplus’ and could be used as housing for veterans on their route to a permanent tenancy.

“The Ministry of Defence has a duty of care to help those who have served – I believe it is time to bring this vacant housing into use for the public good.”