After it emerged thousands of disabled veterans were living in Bolton in 2021,  a councillor who served in the forces has called on the Government to do more to support soldiers.

Following Armed Forces Week - a chance to show support for serving and retired military personnel, the Office for National Statistics revealed data from 2021 census showing the condition veterans were living in.

It showed that 2,360 veterans were classified as disabled under the Equalities Act in Bolton, which is defined as a physical or mental impairment that hinders their ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

This represents 33 percent of the 7,227 veterans living in the area.

Cllr Ryan Bamforth for Councillor for Horwich and Blackrod First Independents and ex-military said veterans needed support.

Cllr Bamforth said: “I do feel the Government should step in more to help them.

“Instead, it’s charities like the Darren Deady and the Veterans Army that fill the gap when these individuals have given the best part of their lives or most of it.

“And it appears the government do not do quite as much especially when you look at other countries where they more support is given.”

Higher rates of disability is explained by the older age profile of former servicepeople, given many will have been conscripted through national service, which ended in 1960.

In Bolton, 46 percent of veterans were aged 65 or older, compared to 17 percent among the wider population of the area.

Angela Kitching, a director at the Royal British Legion, said: “The UK Government needs to ensure it prioritises funding for social care now and in the future and provides tailored care for veterans with illness or injury, so they can have the best possible quality of life."

The figures further show among all former military personnel 437 were suffering from deprivation in their housing conditions, defined by the ONS as an overcrowded or shared household, or one lacking central heating.

The Bolton News:

Cllr Bamforth said local councils should communicate with the military when a soldier leaves the army.

He said: “We need a link between the MOD and the councils when a soldier is discharged.

“They should find out what their future address is even if it’s their own home.”

Across England and Wales, there were 567,000 disabled veterans as of 2021 – representing just under a third of all former servicepeople.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said: "We are committed to ensuring that our veterans are supported throughout every stage in their lives, whatever their individual needs.