Dorset Council adds Armed Forces sections to its Housing Allocation Policy

September 25, 2026

Dorset’s Armed Forces population did not always understand the social housing support available to them. 

What was the situation?

Dorset is home to a significant Armed Forces community, including serving personnel at military sites such as Bovington, Blandford, and Hamworthy, as well as veterans, reservists, and military families. As these individuals transition from military to civilian life, housing can become one of the most significant challenges.

Dorset Council recognised that historically, Armed Forces provisions were embedded within wider housing legislation and policy documents, making it difficult for applicants and supporting organisations to easily identify the specific protections available. The council recognised the need to make these provisions more transparent and accessible, while ensuring housing officers could apply them consistently.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the nature of Service life, members of the Armed Forces community are more likely than civilians to live in new, unfamiliar areas. They also face the challenge of transitioning between military and civilian housing. Additionally, the legislative landscape is more complex for the Armed Forces community, as some housing measures apply specifically to them.

These factors can make it particularly challenging for them, and their advocates, to understand their housing rights and to be aware of the housing support available in their local area. In contrast, civilians are more likely to be settled in one area and in one type of accommodation.

What was done to help?

As part of its five-year review of housing allocations, Dorset Council developed some dedicated Armed Forces sections for inclusion in its Housing Allocation Policy 2026–2031. The revised policy explicitly recognises the housing needs of the Armed Forces community, and clearly outlines how applications from serving personnel, veterans, and their families will be considered.

The key references are in ‘Appendix three – banding’, which clearly explains which members of the Armed Forces community fall within Band One (priority housing need) and Band Three (medium housing need), and section 4.12, which explains which members of the Armed Forces community are exempt from the usual ‘local connection’ requirements.

The council also undertook extensive engagement with stakeholders, including elected members; registered housing providers; homelessness partners; and other organisations supporting vulnerable residents. It also carried out a 12-week public consultation – which received more than 700 responses – to help shape the final policy.

What was the outcome?

The revised Housing Allocation Policy makes Dorset Council’s housing support for the Armed Forces community more visible, accessible, and easier to understand. The dedicated sections help applicants, housing officers and support organisations navigate the housing application process more effectively.

It also provides:

• Clarification of housing rights and entitlements for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and bereaved spouses or civil partners.
• Recognition of Armed Forces applicants within local connection exemptions.
• Enhanced support measures and a dedicated banding category for eligible Armed Forces applicants.
• Clear alignment with Dorset Council’s commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Improved visibility for applicants, housing officers, and partner organisations supporting military families.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Housing
• How local authorities can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. MOD has developed the database to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It serves as a guide for effective Covenant delivery, offering practical insights into achieving fairness for the Armed Forces community. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.