Record investment to improve military housing across Wales
Record investment to improve military housing across Wales
Service families across Wales are set to benefit from a significant share of a record £7 billion investment in military accommodation, as the UK Government moves to address long-standing issues with housing conditions for armed forces personnel.
The funding, which forms part of the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR), includes an additional £1.5 billion UK-wide specifically allocated to upgrade and expand military housing. In Wales, approximately 800 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) homes are expected to benefit from the investment, which will prioritise urgent repairs and maintenance such as fixing leaky roofs, damp and mould, and outdated boilers, as well as the development of new homes.
The announcement signals a renewed commitment to armed forces personnel and their families, aligning with the UK Government’s broader Plan for Change. The investment will be underpinned by a new Defence Housing Strategy, currently in progress, and includes the introduction of a Consumer Charter to raise housing standards and enforce basic rights for service families.
Under the new charter, immediate renovations will begin on 1,000 of the most dilapidated homes. Forces families will also benefit from improved move-in standards, clearer property information, more responsive repair services, and a named housing officer to coordinate support. A new complaints process will also be introduced.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, welcomed the investment:
“Our 800 forces family homes in Wales will benefit from a much-needed investment uplift as part of the wider £7 billion being committed this Parliament. This action demonstrates how the UK Government is delivering for veterans and service families.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said improving military housing is essential to restoring the nation’s defence capabilities.
He said: “For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes. This government is taking decisive action to fix that and ensure our service personnel live in homes they can be proud of. We’re determined to end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and this investment marks a major step forward.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns added that the improvements are long overdue, saying:
“After years of unacceptable living conditions, we are now delivering real change. This new funding puts our service families first and ensures they have the homes they deserve.”
The SDR will lay out the UK’s long-term defence vision over the next decade, with a focus on transforming defence infrastructure, strengthening national security, and positioning the armed forces as a driver of economic growth.
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