Clwyd West AM and Chair of the Cross Party Group on Armed Forces and Cadets, Darren Millar AM, has welcomed an announcement by the Prime Minister of almost £20m raised by fining the banking industry to partly fund specialist accommodation for military veterans, including new apartments in Llandudno.
David Cameron confirmed yesterday that the money from banking fines related to the Libor scandal will pay for eight projects across the UK.
£1.25m will be used for five purpose-built apartments in Llandudno, Conwy, for vulnerable veterans with sight or limb loss.
Darren said:
“This is fantastic news for military veterans across the country, but I am particularly pleased that veterans in North Wales have not been overlooked and a chunk of the funding will be used for specialist accommodation in Llandudno.
“It is impossible to overstate the massive contribution that our armed forces make to keeping our nation safe, often at great personal risk, so it is always good when this is recognised and they are given the support in their communities that they rightly deserve.
“Many ex-service men and women find it difficult to return to civilian life, particularly after intensive operations, and unfortunately some end up on the streets. It is vital that they receive as much support as possible in this transitional stage and this funding will help provide them with that.
“As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has said ‘it is right that the money raised from people who demonstrated the worst of values in our society should now be used to help and support those who demonstrate the very best.”