The Defence Secretary has made a commitment to address the issue of substandard military housing, following the completion of improvements to 1,000 properties ahead of schedule.
John Healey has directed an additional 250 military homes to receive priority upgrades in the upcoming months, marking a 25% increase from the initial target set eight months ago. The housing improvement initiative has already enhanced nearly 700 properties in England, over 150 in Northern Ireland, more than 100 in Wales, and above 50 in Scotland.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror at a barracks in Colchester, Mr. Healey emphasized the positive impact of the progress on morale and retention, expressing determination to put an end to the longstanding issue of inadequate military housing.
Mr. Healey stated, “One of the most significant scandals in recent years has been the deplorable condition of the homes provided for our service personnel and their families. Within six months of taking office, we reclaimed 36,000 military family homes from privatization and initiated a £9 billion investment plan over the next decade to upgrade or rebuild the majority of Forces family homes.”
“We have successfully met our target ahead of schedule, revamping a thousand of the worst properties, ensuring that this Christmas, more families are accommodated in homes suitable for Heroes. These upgraded homes are now of a standard that any individual or family would be proud to live in, and I am pleased that we are rectifying this issue.”
Across the country, homes have undergone extensive renovations, including new flooring, replacement of faulty boilers and heating systems, roof repairs, and the installation of new bathrooms, kitchens, windows, and doors.
Mr. Healey highlighted that the improvements not only boost morale but also contribute to retaining personnel within the armed forces. He emphasized the importance of providing quality housing to enhance morale and recruitment efforts.
Cpl Jack Crean, along with his partner Nina and their one-year-old son Charlie, recently moved into one of the newly refurbished homes at Bassingbourn Barracks in Cambridgeshire. Cpl Crean expressed their delight in the new residence, mentioning the positive impact on their family’s well-being and morale.
(Note: The data-tmdatatrack and CIPAConsentNotice sections have been omitted as they are not part of the news content.)
