Military personnel leaving the forces are put on a par with criminals coming out of prison, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council has claimed.

Keith Mitchell spoke out about the plight of servicemen and women re-adapting to civilian life, and said more support should be given to people leaving the armed forces.

Mr Mitchell, who steps down from his role as leader on May 15, said he was concerned about their difficulties in finding accommodation and employment.

The council passed a motion he put forward saying that a more consistent policy involving Oxfordshire’s district councils was necessary.

Last night he said: “A recent case I have seen is of a soldier who has done 22 years’ service. He has been trying to register for housing in Oxford for six months.

“He was offered the night shelter, which puts him on a par with a criminal leaving prison.

“He has trained as a plasterer but cannot get a job until he has an address and cannot secure an address until he has a job.”

Military families often moved around, which meant they lost a supportive network, and issues such as accommodation had often been dealt with by the military, Mr Mitchell said.

He said: “I am not arguing for automatic priority for military coming out of service – I am arguing for high-quality access to housing advice and services, and a recognition of the difficulties service people can face.”

The council unanimously agreed to urge district council leaders to consider a unified policy, giving priority to service personnel for housing and other services.

It also agreed to write to the Ministry of Defence, stressing the need for improved support for the military in the county. Last June, Oxfordshire became the first county in the UK to sign a “groundbreaking” military covenant.

It saw charities, businesses, communities and individuals come together to pledge their services to help servicemen and their families.

County councillors also pledged to spend £100,000 to help people leaving the services resettle in Oxfordshire.

Mr Mitchell said: “I don’t think the concept of the community covenant has been embedded in councils yet, with front line staff understanding the importance of providing a supportive service to military personnel.”

Royal British Legion county chairman Jim Lewendon said: “It can be very difficult for people leaving, you leave all your mates behind.

“When you come out of the armed forces, you have to pick up the pieces at home and get settled. And that can be hard.

“For a lot of these soldiers, all they have ever known is soldiering. So they do need help to re-adjust to civilian life and get started again.”