Veterans across Wales must be made a top priority in tackling homelessness, according to Welsh Conservatives, as part of a new package of measures to support the armed forces community.

The call comes from James Evans MS, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire and serves as Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Armed Forces.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s debate in the Senedd, Mr Evans said: “It cannot be right that veterans across Wales, who have given so much, find themselves homeless on our streets, and not receiving sufficient support.

“As part of our Welsh Conservative plans to fix Wales, we’ve got bold policies to support our armed forces community, and ensure no veteran is left sleeping on our streets.”

The proposals put forward by party include making veterans a priority when allocating housing, increasing funding for Veterans NHS Wales, and promoting engagement in the Armed Forces Friendly Schools programme to support children from service families.

National homelessness charity Alabaré, which works with veterans in Wales and the South West of England, welcomed the proposals. The charity said last year it supported 158 veterans, noting a 122 per cent increase in referrals - a “deeply concerning trend.”

A spoksperson said: “Wales has a proud military community, and Alabaré believes that they deserve both recognition of their sacrifices and the appropriate support to successfully move on to an independent life - post service.”

The Royal British Legion also welcomed the upcoming debate, highlighting the importance of fair and consistent support for veterans in line with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The motion which will be debated on Wednesday reads:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises the enduring importance of the remembrance period to families and communities in Wales.

2. Remembers and honours all those who have lost their lives and made sacrifices in the service of our country.

3. Acknowledges the tireless work of organisations, individuals and volunteers who support Wales's armed forces community and veterans.

4. Recognises the significant ongoing contribution that the military makes to Wales.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to support Wales’s armed forces community by:

a) ending veteran homelessness by requiring all Welsh local authorities and social landlords to give homeless veterans a top priority when allocating housing;

b) promoting engagement in the armed forces friendly schools programme to support service children;

c) increasing funding for Veterans NHS Wales to enable the appointment of permanent peer mentors in all Welsh health boards;

d) extending free bus travel to all military veterans; and

e) establishing a national military museum for Wales.