Key points
- · More than 10 British armed forces veterans in Bolton have been issued eviction notices by Qualitas Housing through Bolton Council without explanation, to leave by September 2025.
- · Veterans report no alternative accommodation or support after eviction, despite suffering from PTSD and having served Queen and country.
- · Andy Scott, a veteran, condemns the evictions as "disgrace" highlighting lack of recognition and support compared to asylum seekers accommodated by the council.
- · Councillor Trevor Jones expressed outrage and offered help, calling the treatment of veterans "absolutely abysmal."
- · Bolton Council states it is in talks with Qualitas Housing to resolve the issue and pledges support via its Housing Options and Advice team.
- · Bolton Council historically recognised for support to armed forces with the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
- · Council Armed Forces Champion Cllr Ryan Bamforth, a veteran himself, emphasised ongoing commitment to veterans' welfare while the eviction controversy unfolds.
What is the controversy surrounding the eviction of veterans in Bolton?
As reported by Andy Scott to GB News, more than ten former British armed forces members living at Constellation House in Farnworth, managed by Qualitas Housing on behalf of Bolton Council, received eviction notices requiring them to leave by September 2025 with no explanation and no alternative housing offered. Scott said, "We all got served the eviction notice a couple of weeks ago. No explanation, nothing. They told us that we’re out by September with no help to get any other properties, nothing at all. We’re supposed to be in supported accommodation, we’ve all got PTSD, and they’ve done nothing, nothing whatsoever for us".
Scott warned that these 12 veterans could become homeless, highlighting the stress and uncertainty affecting men and women who served the UK: "The stress levels in this building with all the boys and girls in here is just so high at the moment. I’m 53, if I get made homeless, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve got no family now, so I’m going to be stuck".
How have the veterans responded to the situation?
The veterans voiced their anger and frustration with what they called the "disgrace" of being evicted while other groups, including asylum seekers who arrived on small boats, receive hotel accommodation and financial support. Scott said, "We are veterans, We’ve not come over here in a boat, we’ve served our country and we’re getting nothing. The country is abysmal at the moment, and it doesn’t seem that they care".
He further criticised the perceived disparity in treatment: "But if you come across on a dinghy without a passport, there’s a hotel, there’s money, you do whatever you want. They haven’t got a clue who they’re letting in the country. We are veterans, we’re part of the country and we’ve got no rights. We’ve got nothing".
What has been Bolton Council’s official response?
Bolton Council acknowledged the issue, stating, "We share the concerns that have been raised after Qualitas Housing issued Section 21 notices to armed forces veterans living at Constellation House in Farnworth. We are in discussions with the housing provider to resolve this matter. The council is also in the process of contacting the tenants to offer the full support of our Housing Options and Advice team".
Councillor Trevor Jones commented: "I was honoured to come and help them. These lads have put their lives on the line for the country, and this is how they’re treated, it’s absolutely abysmal, it’s horrible, and I couldn’t wait to get involved".
Has Bolton Council historically supported the armed forces community?
Yes, Bolton Council has been recognised for its commitment to the armed forces community. Notably, on 22 July 2025, the council was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest accolade given for supporting veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military families in the workplace.
Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel affirmed this commitment: "We are all incredibly proud to receive the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This award recognises that we deliver on our promise to honour the service of our armed forces, and that we do what we can to help our veterans, and their families.... Bolton Council is proud to support the armed forces and make sure those who serve feel respected and looked after".
Bolton Council's Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Ryan Bamforth, a veteran with 20 years’ service in the British Army, reiterated the council's dedication to this cause: "As Bolton Council’s Armed Forces Champion I will ensure we keep up this excellent work so all members of the armed forces community feel valued, respected and looked after".
What additional support and recognition has Bolton Council provided to armed forces personnel?
Bolton Council actively promotes the Armed Forces Covenant and runs ongoing initiatives including an internal Armed Forces Network for veterans, reservists, and cadet volunteers. The council advocates for defence and implements HR policies tailored to veterans, granting reservists additional paid leave and opportunities within the workforce.
During Armed Forces Week 2025, held in June, Bolton held events to celebrate the contributions of service personnel past and present, including raising the Armed Forces Day flag and hosting a luncheon for veterans at the town hall, further illustrating the council’s engagement with the armed forces community.