Stroud District Council secures £225,000 funding to refurbish homes for veterans

Stroud District Council has secured £225,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to refurbish six long‑term vacant council‑owned homes to provide high‑quality, affordable housing for local veterans.

The funding, awarded through the Veteran Capital Housing Fund, will enable the council to refurbish five flats, a mix of one and two‑bedroom properties, and one bungalow. The bungalow will be adapted to become fully accessible, with improvements such as widened doorways and a wet room, to meet the needs of veterans with mobility challenges.

Nearly 90 veterans are currently on Stroud’s housing register, with the majority waiting for one‑bedroom homes. This project will help address that need while supporting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, offering safe, stable accommodation and a platform to rebuild their lives.

The refurbishment works will bring the homes up to modern decent homes standards, including significant energy‑efficiency improvements to achieve a minimum EPC C rating. The homes will remain a long‑term asset for the district, providing sustainable housing for veterans for years to come.

As well as housing, veterans moving into the homes will receive tailored support from the council’s Housing Team, working closely with the Armed Forces Champion Group and trusted local partners. This includes help with tenancy sustainment, access to health and wellbeing services, employment support and community networks.

Cllr Gary Luff, Chair of Housing Committee said:
“This funding is a significant step forward in our commitment to support veterans in Stroud. Having a safe, secure home is fundamental to rebuilding independence and wellbeing, and this project will make a real difference to people who have given so much in service to our country.”

Cllr Kate Kay, Chair of Stroud District Council and Armed Forces Champion, added:

“I’m proud of the partnership working behind this bid and very grateful to the local veterans and organisations, particularly SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, whose insight and experience helped shape a strong application. This project shows how local knowledge and national support can come together to change lives.”

Colonel (Retired) Ross Thurlow OBE of SSAFA The Armed Force Charity commented: 

“This is excellent news for veterans and their families on Stroud District Council’s housing register.  Too many members of the Armed Forces community struggle with housing and this is a significant step in addressing this issue.  Stroud District Council’s Armed Forces Champion’s Group must be congratulated for their efforts in obtaining the funds to refurbish these homes for veterans and families; it was an honour to provide support."

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is an arm’s‑length body of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA), which forms part of central government. The Trust delivers capital grants on behalf of the government, including the Veteran Capital Housing Fund, to improve outcomes for members of the Armed Forces community and support the national ambition to end veteran homelessness.

Work on the homes is expected to begin in 2026, with veterans moving in later in the year. The council’s programme includes a clear delivery schedule covering refurbishment, inspections and tailored move‑in support.

By transforming empty properties into secure homes, the project supports the council’s Homelessness Prevention priorities and contributes to the wider national goal of ending rough sleeping among veterans, while strengthening communities across the district.

Stroud District Council offers a range of support for veterans, including:

• Guaranteed face‑to‑face interviews with veterans to discuss housing options, homelessness and council tenancy issues
• A 20 percent discount on activities and memberships at Active Lifestyles Stroud District, available with a military or veterans ID card

More information about local support for veterans is available here.

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