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South Wales Argus
11-08-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Military families given more freedom to personalise homes
More than 800 armed forces households will benefit from the changes, which will allow them to keep pets, decorate their homes, and run businesses as part of a wider effort to improve service accommodation across the UK. The new freedoms are part of a Consumer Charter announced by the government, following a commitment in the Strategic Defence Review to invest an additional £1.5 billion in military housing. John Healey, defence secretary, said: "Our armed forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe every day. "But for too long, military families have lived in substandard housing without basic consumer rights. "These new measures are a key milestone as we deliver on our Consumer Charter to stop the rot in military accommodation and ensure our heroes and their loved ones live in houses they can truly call home." From this week, families will be able to keep up to two dogs, cats, or smaller pets without needing formal approval—a move designed to recognise the important role pets play in family life and mental wellbeing. Al Carns, minister for veterans and people, said: "As a dog owner and Royal Marine who served for 24 years, much of it in service accommodation, I'm delighted to be making it easier for our dedicated personnel to own family pets. "Recognising the unique demands of service family life, it is also right that we make it easier for family members to run businesses from military housing." The changes also include streamlined processes for running businesses from home and plans to allow greater freedom in decorating properties. The housing improvements are backed by more than £7 billion in investment this Parliament, including £1.5 billion earmarked for urgent repairs and long-term renewal of military family homes.
Metro
08-08-2025
- Business
- Metro
Up to 3,500,000 Brits to receive automatic £40 smart meter compensation payout
While smart meters are a handy way to save money on your energy bills, it turns out millions across Great Britain may not actually work. According to official figures, there have been a number of issues with the nationwide smart meter rollout, with as many as 3.5 million currently operating in 'dumb' mode, unable to send energy usage information. Although firms are fined if they fail to meet targets for installing new smart meters, those targets don't take into account whether a meter is actually working. Following increasing calls from campaigners to tackle the issue, the Government has today launched a consultation into how suppliers can drive 'improved rates of meter operation' going forward, with the aim of creating a new 'Consumer Charter' guide laying out what's expected. Ofgem has also confirmed proposals which will require energy companies to urgently fix broken devices — and to issue £40 automatic compensation to anyone who waits 90 days or more for a repair. Under the regulator's plans, customers will also receive a payout if their smart meter installation fails due to a fault within their provider's control. Amid government targets for three-quarters of all homes to use one by the end of this year, Uswitch research shows up to 1.4 million households in England, Wales and Scotland have waited six months or longer for their broken meter to be fixed. However, this new proposal will mean anyone who requests a new meterwill have to be offered one within six weeks, while suppliers will be required to provide a resolution plan to those who report problems with their device within five working days. Tim Jarvis, director general for markets at Ofgem, said: 'We're drawing the line on excuses – suppliers will need to follow our new rules or compensate their customers. 'We know that many customers are still waiting too long to get a smart meter installed or facing lengthy delays on repairs when it stops working. 'That's why we're stepping in to make the process quicker and easier for consumers and to make sure they're fairly compensated if things do go wrong.' According to Smart Energy GB: ''Dumb mode' is sometimes used to describe when smart meters are not automatically sending meter readings… 'If your smart meter is in 'dumb mode' or isn't sending regular meter readings, it will still be measuring your energy use, but it won't send that information automatically to your energy supplier. 'To get accurate bills, you will need to take manual readings and share them with your supplier. You will need to take regular readings until the issue is solved, and your smart meter can send readings automatically again.' Martin Lewis previously discussed the topic on his podcast with Octopus Energy boss Greg Jackson, who claimed repairs were often not prioritised because fixing existing smart meters doesn't count towards the targets. Commenting on the news of this new industry review, the Money Saving Expert (MSE) founder wrote: 'Broken smart meters were high on the list of issues I raised with Ed Miliband when he first became Secretary of State. He promised me he'd investigate, so I was pleased when they told me this announcement was coming. 'Far too many smart meters, likely one in five, don't work as they should – a problem not just for all the homes with broken ones, but for the smart meter rollout. With so many dissatisfied customers, word-of-mouth is bad, so people tell their friends and neighbours not to get one. 'We need to shift firms' focus from just installing smart meters to promptly fixing those that are broken.' Ofgem's rules are expected to come into force next year, and while exact details have yet to be released, the regulator has revealed that anyone whose meter has been in dumb mode for over 90 days will receive the £40 payment automatically, without having to complain. More Trending If the problem affects both your gas and electricity meters, you'll get the £40 for each of them, meaning the total amount you'll receive is £80. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the UK Minister for Energy Consumers, commented: 'We welcome Ofgem's proposals to introduce guaranteed standards of performance for smart meters. 'This will help to ensure people who want to upgrade their meters are better supported through the process, and can make the most of their new smart meter.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Martin Lewis shares unexpected need-to-knows when applying for a mortgage MORE: Martin Lewis explains what the car finance consultation means for you MORE: Martin Lewis reveals why these accounts are 'unbeatable' — despite savers feeling 'conned' Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
South Wales Argus
02-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Urgent repairs for hundreds of military homes in Wales
Around 800 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties in Wales are expected to benefit from a share of £1.5 billion in additional UK Government funding announced as part of an upcoming Strategic Defence Review. The investment is part of a wider £7 billion commitment to improve military housing across the UK during this parliamentary term. Jo Stevens, secretary of state for Wales, said: "The Armed Forces make a valued and vital contribution to Wales and our security. "I warmly welcome this action to address the urgent repairs and facilitate the development of new housing for service families across Wales. "Our 800 forces family homes will benefit from a much-needed investment uplift, as part of an overall £7 billion in funding this parliament." The funding will support urgent repairs such as fixing boilers, roofs, and tackling damp and mould, as well as the development of new housing for military families. Ms Stevens also highlighted ongoing support for veterans, saying: "Through initiatives such as the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme and the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner for Wales, we continue to ensure that those who have served receive the support and recognition they deserve. "This is a UK Government delivering for veterans and their families." Defence Secretary John Healey said: "Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country. "For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes, but this government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of military accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve." The funding will cover both SFA and single living accommodation and forms part of a broader Defence Housing Strategy, which includes a new Consumer Charter to improve standards and introduce clearer housing rights for military families. This includes improved property information, higher move-in standards, a named housing officer for every family, and access to a robust complaints system. The Strategic Defence Review will outline long-term plans to improve defence capabilities and infrastructure, aiming to strengthen the UK's security and deliver lasting improvements for armed forces personnel.
