Today, we have received the Government’s response to the petition we supported:  “Fund culturally appropriate retirement support for Polish veterans and families”.

The Ilford Park Polish Home was established in the aftermath of the Second World War to provide care for Polish servicemen who had fought under British command and could not safely return to a Soviet-controlled homeland.

The full text of the letter is below.

„Over time, it evolved into a residential and nursing facility for veterans and their families; today, the last remaining institution of its kind in the United Kingdom.

Government responded:

The Government continues to deliver 'Churchill’s Promise’ to integrate Polish communities into the UK following their upheaval from Poland due to war, as part of the Polish Resettlement Act 1947.

Ilford Park Polish Home (IPPH) – affectionally known as ‘Little Poland’ – provides residential and nursing care to former members of the Polish Forces who served under British command during the Second World War and were subsequently displaced from Poland, or to their spouses. The Home fulfils a wartime promise made by Sir Winston Churchill to the Polish people. The Home seeks to ‘recreate’ elements of Poland for its residents, for example by employing Polish-speaking care workers, a Polish priest, celebrating Polish holidays and events, and ensuring Polish foods are served to residents.

The Government remains committed to honour that enduring commitment and retain the Home for as long as there are sufficient residents. If ever the size of the community becomes too small to be beneficial to the residents, the Government will take steps to ensure that any alternative accommodation provider recreates the Poland-specific nature of the IPPH within a wider community.

In spring 2026, the Government sought views from stakeholders on recommendations and proposed adjustments from the 2023 Independent Review of UK Government Welfare Services for Veterans relating to IPPH. The consultation ran for nine weeks from 7 April 2026 until 6 June 2026. This consultation was aimed at:

• Existing residents, their families and representatives.
• Individuals who may be eligible for a place at IPPH and their families.
• Stakeholders with an interest in post war Polish Resettlement and care home provision

The IPPH is based near Newton Abbot, Devon and is registered with the Care Quality Commission to house up to 95 residents, although currently houses 41. To qualify to live at IPPH, would-be residents need to meet strict eligibility criteria as set out in the 1947 Act.

In parallel to the recent consultation, the MOD has run a series of publicity events to increase general awareness of the Home, which has already generated six new applications for a place in the Home which are warmly welcomed. Details on how to apply for a place at IPPH are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-residential-and-nursing-care-at-ilford-park-polish-home

The government is currently considering its response to the consultation.

Ministry of Defence

Click this link to view the response online:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/768480?reveal_response=yes#response

The Petitions Committee will take a look at this petition and its response. They can press the government for action and gather evidence. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Committee will consider it for a debate.

The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#the-petitions-committee

Thanks,

The Petitions Team
House of Commons

From the editor: