By KLTV Newsdesk –

Government pilot in the North of England to revolutionise veteran support with tailored services, local partnerships and national ambition

Thousands of veterans across northern England will be the first in the UK to access a new £50 million support system designed to provide comprehensive, localised, and joined-up assistance for former Armed Forces personnel.

The new initiative, known as VALOUR, is being launched as a pilot programme by the Government’s Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA), in collaboration with Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.

The North of England has been chosen as the pilot region for this landmark scheme, which aims to ensure no veteran falls through the gaps—a key promise of the Government’s Plan for Change.

VALOUR will bring together local authorities, public services, charities, and the NHS to offer integrated support in key areas such as housing, employment, and mental and physical health.

Creating a blueprint for national rollout

The pilot is set to become the foundation for a wider UK rollout by 2026.

It will recognise and reflect regional differences while collecting data to shape policy and improve service delivery nationwide.

Veterans themselves will play a central role in shaping the system by signing up for research on Gov.uk.

“This Armed Forces Week, we are renewing our contract with those who serve and have served, by ensuring no veteran falls through the gaps,” said Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns.

“From South Yorkshire to Liverpool City Region, I am delighted that veterans across the North of England will be the first to benefit from VALOUR and get better access to the tailored support they need.

“By opening this pilot, we’re creating the blueprint that will transform veteran support nationwide, delivering on this Government’s Plan for Change.”

Veteran voices and local expertise at the heart of the programme

The VALOUR network will be built around recognised support centres across the UK, linked by Regional Field Officers who will coordinate services between local government, charities, and other providers.

These officers will also help ensure that services are guided by real-time data and lived experience.

The Government plans to release development funding later this year, enabling veteran centres to apply for VALOUR accreditation and boost their capacity to guide veterans to the right support.

Recent YouGov polling underlines the urgency of this effort: 73% of veterans say current support is lacking and favour a more joined-up system across government and the third sector.

A strong start in Greater Manchester and beyond

Welcoming the launch, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “For too long, veterans have not been properly looked after despite their service to this country. So it is great that the government has launched the VALOUR network to give former members of the Armed Forces the tailored support they deserve.

“In Greater Manchester, we are proud of our Armed Forces Covenant, which brings together our local authorities to support veterans in their area. The VALOUR pilot will give us even more resources to support our Armed Forces community with our Live Well model.

“This scheme also highlights how improving lives in local communities can be done through further devolution, and we look forward to working alongside colleagues in the three other Combined Authorities to make this pilot successful.”

More support measures for veterans

Alongside VALOUR, the Government is also enhancing its support for veterans through a range of new initiatives. These include:

• £3.5 million investment in homelessness services

• Free career guidance via Operation ASCEND

• Extension of employer National Insurance relief

• The upcoming launch of the GOV.UK wallet, allowing veterans to apply for digital Veteran Cards later this year.

With the launch of VALOUR, the Government is pledging not only to support veterans better, but to do so by listening to them, learning from local areas, and delivering solutions that work on the ground.