Published: 10 November 2025
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Defence, Scotland Office
Contributors: Louise Sandher-Jones MP, The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, The Rt Hon John Healey MP
£27 Million Funding to Establish Nationwide VALOUR Centres
The United Kingdom Government has announced the launch of a new Veterans Strategy aimed at transforming the delivery of support services for former Armed Forces personnel. The plan includes a £27 million government fund to establish a network of local Veterans Support Centres across the country, known as VALOUR Centres.
Over 1.8 million veterans across the UK are expected to benefit from this initiative. The centres will provide a coordinated platform for access to essential services, including health, housing, employment, finance, wellbeing, and social reintegration.
Integration with Defence and Homelessness Programmes
The new Veterans Strategy, developed alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the Armed Forces Covenant, forms part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change initiative. It also includes a dedicated £12 million fund for veteran housing and an extension of the Op FORTITUDE programme, which has already helped over 1,000 veterans secure housing.
Through the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, the government aims to provide three years of comprehensive support services for veterans at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. These commitments uphold the Prime Minister’s pledge to ensure that “homes will be there for heroes.”
VALOUR Network and Local Impact
The VALOUR initiative, which launched earlier this year with total funding of £50 million, will connect local and national veteran services through a central headquarters within the Ministry of Defence. The centres are expected to begin operations from spring 2026, providing a single contact point for veterans seeking assistance.
From today, local organisations can submit bids to access the first tranche of the £27 million in funding to join the VALOUR network.
Key Funding Overview
| Programme | Funding Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VALOUR Network | £50 million | Establishing veteran support centres and digital integration |
| Local Bid Fund | £27 million | Enable local centres to deliver coordinated support |
| Veteran Housing Fund | £12 million | Address veteran homelessness and housing needs |
| Op FORTITUDE | — | Extended housing programme for at-risk veterans |
Government Leaders’ Statements
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander expressed pride in the UK’s veterans and highlighted that around 176,000 veterans live in Scotland. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to standing by military personnel and their families, stating that the strategy “shows how passionate the UK Government is about supporting veterans across the whole of the UK.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP emphasised that supporting veterans is a national duty. “Our nation owes a duty to those who have served, and this new Strategy recognises veterans as one of our greatest assets,” he said, underlining the government’s dedication to improving healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities for veterans.
Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP described the new Veterans Strategy as a “fundamental reset” in how the government supports former service members. She encouraged organisations to apply for funding to become part of the VALOUR network, ensuring “easier access to the assistance they need, when and where they need it.”
Collaboration and Long-Term Vision
The strategy reflects collaboration between UK and devolved governments and has been shaped by input from veterans, local communities, and organisations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. It is founded on three priorities: celebrating those who have served, harnessing veterans’ skills, and ensuring effective support for those in need.
Nick Pope, Chair of Cobseo, welcomed the strategy, describing it as a significant step in strengthening support for the Armed Forces community. He noted the complementary roles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Veterans Strategy in fostering a thriving, valued, and well-supported network for veterans and their families.
Future Outlook
The Veterans Strategy aims to position the UK’s veterans as vital contributors to national resilience, economic growth, and social cohesion. By integrating government support with community-led initiatives, the strategy seeks to ensure that every veteran receives the recognition and resources they deserve.