Government accepts majority of Committee’s recommendations on improving Service Accommodation

The Defence Committee today publishes the Government response to its report on Service Accommodation, in which the Government accepts the majority of the Committee's recommendations for improving the quality of accommodation available to Service Personnel.

The Committee's report described Service Accommodation as “shocking” and found that problems with damp and mould persist.

The Committee's report was critical of the Ministry of Defence's communication with Service families, concluding that Service families' trust has been damaged and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and service providers need to demonstrate a genuine “family first” approach to earn that trust back. 

The report also found that Single Living Accommodation often does not meet the needs and expectations of today's recruits, which has had an adverse effect on recruitment and retention.

Chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, said:

“I am pleased that the Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of decent Service Accommodation and has agreed to the majority of the recommendations in our report.

“Service Accommodation has been in a dire state for too long – our Forces should not be made to live in sub-standard conditions. In their response, the Ministry of Defence has committed to holding the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to account and driving up standards.

“The MOD has also pledged to invest in Single Living Accommodation that fails to meet the minimum standard, and has acknowledged problems in its communication around the allocation of Service Family Accommodation. Work to deliver a new military housing strategy, a stock condition survey and a new complaint process for Service Family Accommodation are all encouraging signs that the Ministry of Defence is responding to the concerns raised in our inquiry.

“If this Government is to truly root out the problems blighting Service Accommodation it will require a long-term commitment. The Committee will continue to monitor developments in this area and ensure that Personnel are given the housing they deserve.”