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Mr and Mrs Humphreys, of Totland, want a better life for their ex-soldier son
The parents of a disabled ex-soldier from Ryde are desperate to find a new home for their son, before they get too old to care for him.
Steven Humphreys has suffered a nervous breakdown and a stroke since leaving the army ten years ago.
His mum Hazel, from Totland, says the 47-year-old should benefit from a so-called military covenant, which prevents ex-soldiers from being disadvantaged by the housing system.
Steven currently lives in private accommodation but Hazel says he needs something more secure. She told Isle of Wight Radio: “My wish, and his dad’s, is that he could have a place of his own - with his own little garden, because he likes to grow things, which he can’t where he is. And that he’s secure, that’s what I want for him.”
In response to the concerns raised, Councillor Roger Mazillius, cabinet member for adult social care and housing, said: “Mr Humphreys’ current application for re-housing has been assessed and on the basis of the information that he has provided it has been found that his priority for re-housing is adequately reflected by his current banding on the register.
"We would be very happy to discuss his circumstances if he feels they have changed.
"The housing regulations with regards to ex-service personnel are being revised nationally but those changes have yet to come into force.
“The council welcomes this review as it is only right that we recognise the invaluable contribution our service personnel make to the security of our country. Indeed our policy is already as sympathetic as it can be to previous and current serving military personnel and their families. Recently, for example, a military family with an urgent housing need and a strong family connection to the Island was successfully housed here.
“We are currently looking at how the national review can be incorporated into our local policy and will consult, as required, before any changes are made. However it would appear the new covenant would not increase Mr Humphreys’ priority for re-housing."
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