Forces get extra housing help

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Shared equity loans are to be extended to the services - boosting the spending power of eligible military families by almost a third.

Under the low-cost housing scheme, personnel who qualify will be able to top up a regular mortgage with a loan provided by the Government and one of four private sector lenders.

Ms Cooper said: "This new support recognises the vital contribution our Armed Forces make to our communities.

"We want to help more key workers, like service personnel, and other first time buyers get a foot on to the housing ladder.That's why we have set out investment of £10.2 billion to provide thousands more affordable and social homes."

Junior defence minister Derek Twigg hailed it as an example of the Government's commitment to the armed forces, following heavy criticism over recent months over their treatment.

"I am delighted that the Government is making it easier for members of the Armed Forces to buy their first home. This is a further demonstration of the Government's ongoing commitment to our service personnel," he said.

The law is also changed to stop them being pushed down the waiting list for local authority accommodation on the basis that they do not have a "local connection" with where they are based or live.

Ms Cooper added: "It is only right that we provide our servicemen and women with the best possible support as they move back to civilian life.

"The service our armed forces give to their country must not place them an any disadvantage when applying for council housing."