'Bring veterans support centre to West Midlands': Former Marine turned Halesowen MP says £27 million government funding will benefit 167,595 veterans across region
A £27 million package of government funding will benefit 167,595 military veterans across the West Midlands, says an MP.
Alex Ballinger, himself a former Royal Marine, said he would be pressing the Government to bring a support centre for veterans to the region.
He said the Government's new veterans' strategy - the first of its kind for seven years - would also see £12 million being made available to tackle veteran homelessness.
The new scheme will see veterans' support centres open across the country to help ex-military personnel access services, offering guidance and support in health, housing and employment. They may also extend to finance, wellbeing, and integration into society.
The new strategy accompanies the recent defence housing strategy, which will see more than 40,000 military homes upgraded and modernised, including 2,538 in the West Midlands.
Mr Ballinger said the Government was renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, recognising their invaluable contribution across the country.
Developed alongside the strategic defence review and the armed forces covenant, Mr Ballinger said the new strategy committed an extra £12 million to reducing veteran homelessness, and extending Operation Fortitude, a scheme that has already housed more than 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing.
Mr Ballinger said: "These programmes will deliver three years of support services for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, fulfilling the Prime Minister's pledge that homes will be there for heroes.
“Our Labour government is determined to renew the nation's contract with those who serve and have served.
“I’m proud that the Labour government is stepping up support for our veterans with a new veterans strategy. As part of this, I will be strongly backing local bids to bring a veterans’ support centre to the West Midlands.
“This will transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said the nation owed a duty to those who have served their country, and the strategy recognised veterans as one of the country's greatest assets.
"Today's announcements will boost local support for veterans across the UK, from better healthcare to housing to jobs. Labour’s message to veterans and the Armed Forces community is simple: we are on your side."
The Government's Valour scheme, launched earlier this year, aims to foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven.
Valour-recognised support centres will open from spring 2026, offering veterans with a single contact point for support needs.
