Britain's ageing military homes to be overhauled in £200m project to help forces families
MILITARY families will be given the ‘standard of living they deserve’ following a £200m funding boost to overhaul armed forces homes, defence secretary Ben Wallace has vowed.
More than 5,000 military personnel and their families – including some in Hampshire – will have their homes modernised as part of the new plan.
The announcement comes months after the head of a military charity told The News that ‘inadequate’ homes needed to be overhauled.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the investment will fund new kitchens, bathrooms and furnishings, as well as re-roofing, plus measures to reduce the risk of mould and damp.
It said the funding injection will mean that 3,500 service homes will be upgraded as well as single living quarters.
The work will also make armed forces estates more environmentally friendly, with plans for better insulated doors and windows, energy-efficient boilers, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
The MoD said the plan will also include new play areas, resurfaced roads and energy efficient street lighting.
There are also plans to replace 30 Second World War vintage accommodation blocks, which includes those at Longmoor, in Liss, near Petersfield.
The MoD said the upgrades are expected to sustain around 2,000 jobs over the next two years and will be delivered through the existing National Housing Prime contract.
Mr Wallace, who announced the move during a visit to Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, with chancellor Rishi Sunak, said: ‘Our armed forces work incredibly hard to keep our nation safe, and so it is only right that they have a place they feel proud to call home.
‘From introducing a generous Forces Help to Buy scheme to piloting a new rented accommodation model, we have made enormous steps in recent years to offer flexible housing for a modern workforce.
‘This latest investment will benefit thousands of our personnel and their families, providing the standard of living they deserve.’
Mr Sunak said: ‘Day in, day out, our armed forces make huge personal sacrifices for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they have the best conditions possible.
‘This news doesn’t just mean service homes across the country will be upgraded, but will see 2,000 jobs in sectors where they are needed the most, like plumbing and decorating – delivering our Plan for Jobs.’
Investigations by The News have previously revealed a litany of troubles including a long backlog of repairs, dodgy plumbing and faulty electrics.
The MoD said that £530m has been invested in improvements to service family accommodation over the last four years.