"The least they deserve": First upgrades to Royal Navy Portsmouth military houses rolled out for Christmas

Improvements to overhaul 30 armed forces accommodation properties in the city have been made ahead of schedule. The government is pushing ahead to revitalise military housing after many were left suffering from damp, mould, infestations, and delayed repairs.

Some across the UK were declared as being “unfit for human habitation”. So far, 500 homes in the south of England have received the upgrades as part of a programme to urgently fix 1,000 sites nationally. A further 250 properties will receive priority improvements over the coming months.

Defence secretary John Healey said: “Our Armed Forces and their families sacrifice so much for our country, the least they deserve are safe and decent homes. The work we’ve done to upgrade the 1,000 worst homes means that more families can now enjoy Christmas together in homes that are fit for heroes.

“This is just the start of our ambitious work to upgrade tens of thousands of homes across the country, made possible by our landmark deal to bring 36,000 homes back into public ownership and backed by £9bn investment. We are ending the decades of neglect and giving our dedicated Armed Forces families the homes they deserve.”

The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant works take place. Homes across the country have received a complete makeover, with enhancements including new flooring, replacing unreliable boilers and heating systems, repairing leaky roofs and installing new bathrooms, kitchens, windows and doors.

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The £9bn investment, set out in the Defence Housing Strategy, will be rolled out over the next decade. More than 40,000 service family homes, after more than 36,000 were brought back into public ownership earlier this year.

David Brewer, Chief Operating Officer for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation said: “I am very proud of the improvements our teams have made to a 1,000 of our worst homes. This is just the start of a generational renewal which will see nine out of 10 homes improved.

“We are already seeing the results of the changes we are making through our charter commitments and are determined to do even more to improve the homes and deliver the experience our armed forces deserve.”

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan added: “Armed Forces Personnel in Portsmouth deserve the very best for the services they provide to our country. I am delighted that the refurbishment of military homes in the city has been completed just in time for Christmas.

“This will provide comfort, security and safety for the festive period and beyond. Members of the armed forces and their families in Portsmouth can be reassured that under this Labour government we will ensure that they have homes fit for heroes.”