Thread: Free travel for Veterans in London - well done Boris!

Bravo, it may well be a late political statement/stunt, but a welcome one all the same.

Yes well done Boris, but ust to big up the Brumopolis for a second...

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/Generat...=9&MENU_ID=127

Ex-Armed Forces Personnel Get Improved Home Options



Press Release Details

Summary Ex-armed forces personnel wanting a home from Birmingham City Council are getting more help and support than ever, thanks to the development of a dedicated service which has been received positively by the Ministry of Defence and other support organisations across the city.
PR Portfolio BCC

Reference Number 9693
Press contact Marcia Wynter - 0121 303 3501
Issue Date 30 March 2007

The service, which provides access to greater housing choice, is one of a number of services highlighted in the Council’s new housing allocations policy which was approved by Cabinet this week.

In addition to offering advice and assistance to those leaving the armed forces, the city council has an armed forces contact officer for anyone who is leaving the armed forces –army, navy, air-force and some auxiliary services that want to apply for social housing.

The Housing Department has liaised with local organisations such as the Royal British Legion within Birmingham and the Alderson Trust, who specialise in providing accommodation for ex-service personnel. National organisations such as (SPACES) Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the ex-Services and (SSAFA) Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association have also been approached to coordinate and support any rehousing requests.

Derek Twigg, Minister for Veterans, said: "Ensuring that our personnel have access to proper housing after they have left the Armed Forces is extremely important, and I wholeheartedly welcome Birmingham City Council's initiative in this area. My department will continue to work with the BCC through the Joint Service Housing Advice Office."

Elaine Elkington, Acting Strategic Director of Housing & Constituencies, said: “The Cabinet Members and I are very pleased with the development of services for ex forces personnel as this group of people deserve to be recognised. The Housing Department will continue to improve services for anyone wanting a home in the city, particularly those who are in greatest housing need.�

The Housing Options leaflet and campaign has been received positively amongst organisations who offer advice and guidance to ex-services personnel.

So maybe the thread should be developed from "Boris what a card" to "What has your local council done for you lately"?

Clarkson's number two...??
Top job!

Originally Posted by Countryman

The actual important part, who it covers:

From 2 November all war veterans in receipt of a pension under the War Pensions Scheme or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, including war widows and widowers and eligible dependents, will be able to travel for free on Transport for London bus, Tube, tram, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground services. The Train Operating Companies have also backed the Mayor in agreeing that war veterans will be able to travel free on their services within Greater London.

I think it an excellent idea. But how will they administer it? ID cards issued by the government?!

Twigg = Twat.

Good on Boris, already showing up labour.

Originally Posted by Balleh

Originally Posted by Countryman

The actual important part, who it covers:

From 2 November all war veterans in receipt of a pension under the War Pensions Scheme or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, including war widows and widowers and eligible dependents, will be able to travel for free on Transport for London bus, Tube, tram, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground services. The Train Operating Companies have also backed the Mayor in agreeing that war veterans will be able to travel free on their services within Greater London.

I think it an excellent idea. But how will they administer it - ID cards issued by the government?!

Probably just like bus passes for OAPs I would imagine.

Blimey nice idea...not that I go to London often but I'll take one for the odd occassion I get there.

S_R

Just sent Boris this email:

Re: Mayor announces free travel for injured war veterans

Headshed Boris,

Well done that man.

If I were a woman I'd have your babies but I'm not so I won't.

Cheers,
Simon
Ex Army War Pensioner.

It's a great start, but Ross Kemp is on the money with how we are treated in comparison with our American cousins. It's borderline embarrassing when you are over there and they hear you are a serving member. I got half-price tickets to Seaworld (where the vets and forces get a standing ovation), free entry into Busch gardens, and generally back-slapped and drinks bought everywhere I went. Veterens get unlimited use of their PX's and facilities. Our vets get a lapel pin.

A great start, but more needs to be done NATIONWIDE for all vets, AND those who continue to put their country's needs before theirs, and their family's needs.

Originally Posted by Balleh

I think it an excellent idea. But how will they administer it? ID cards issued by the government?!

I don't know if this will work but the Veterans Agency will if asked issue war pensioners with a credit card sized card confiming that you are a war pensioner .

http://www.veterans-uk.info/index.html

Originally Posted by DRIVER_B_III_RASC

Buggrit...misread the press release....just took a licensed taxi from home to billingsgate to get some jellied eels and was charged £37.

Originally Posted by mark1234

Excellent idea, well done.

errr . . . .

It would be easier to allow servive personnel to keep their old military ID card with a hole punched on one side. Why replicate, not to mention the cost!

Just an idea.

Hitback

Originally Posted by hitback

It would be easier to allow servive personnel to keep their old military ID card with a hole punched on one side. Why replicate, not to mention the cost!

Just an idea.

Hitback

You have to be kidding, (no offence intended), but if the criminal fraternity can bother their arrse to make facsimilies of disabled badges, they will surely make mincemeat of the outdated mod f 90.

Originally Posted by Stonker

Originally Posted by DRIVER_B_III_RASC

Buggrit...misread the press release....just took a licensed taxi from home to billingsgate to get some jellied eels and was charged £37.

Originally Posted by mark1234

Excellent idea, well done.

errr . . . .

It wasn't lost on me , made me giggle too, I was just to lazy to edit. :D

The MoD 90 holds more info than just our picture. The criminal fraternity will always scam away around rules, thats why they're called criminals. (No offence intended).