5 days ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh military homes to receive upgrade following large cash boost
Strategic Defence Review pledges urgent repairs and new housing for Armed Forces families across Wales
AROUND 800 military homes in Wales are set to benefit from a substantial uplift in funding as part of the UK Government's £7 billion investment in Armed Forces accommodation across this Parliament.
The upcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will confirm an additional £1.5 billion to tackle the dire state of military housing, promising urgent repairs, higher standards, and long-term upgrades. The move comes in response to longstanding concerns over conditions faced by service families, including issues such as unreliable boilers, leaky roofs, damp, and mould.
The Welsh allocation will contribute to a broader UK-wide effort to renew the nation's contract with its Armed Forces personnel, as part of the government's wider Plan for Change. The investment will cover both Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and single-living quarters, aiming for a generational renewal of defence housing infrastructure.
The funding will be guided by the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy and the newly announced Consumer Charter, which introduces basic housing rights for military families. These include access to essential property information, improved move-in standards, a named housing officer for every family, and a robust complaints system.
Immediate improvements
The Government has committed to begin immediate renovation work on 1,000 of the worst-affected homes across the UK, ensuring that Armed Forces personnel and their families are no longer left to endure sub-standard conditions.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, said: 'The Armed Forces make a valued and vital contribution to Wales and our national security.
'I warmly welcome this action to address urgent repairs and facilitate the development of new housing for service families. Our 800 forces family homes in Wales will now benefit from the uplift as part of this £7bn commitment.
'Through initiatives such as the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme and the new Armed Forces Commissioner for Wales, we are ensuring that those who serve receive the support and recognition they deserve.'
A renewed commitment
Defence Secretary John Healey MP added: 'Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country.
'For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes. This government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve.
'We are determined to end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. This investment is about delivering fast, fixing housing, and honouring the nation's commitment to those who serve.'
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns said: 'After years of unacceptable living conditions, we are delivering long-overdue investment that puts our service families first.
'This funding will ensure that those who protect our nation, and their families, can live in homes they can be proud of. We promised better housing, and we are delivering.'
The SDR will also establish long-term goals to modernise defence capabilities and ensure the UK remains secure at home and strong abroad. The commitment to improved military housing forms a key part of that strategy.
