By David Williams
Almost a third of armed forces families are unhappy with the condition of their homes, and it will be 20 years before the entire Ministry of Defence stock is brought up to standard.
Almost a third of armed forces families are unhappy with the condition of their homes, and it will be 20 years before the entire Ministry of Defence stock is brought up to standard.A report by the National Audit Office, published on March 18, found that the MoD was working to raise the standard of accommodation, with an average of 800 homes improved every year.
But while 52% of families living in MoD properties said their homes were in good condition, the NAO found 31% were dissatisfied, and 24% said their house was poorly maintained.
The ministry has more than 50,000 homes, and provides accommodation for 42,000 personnel and their families. But there are also 9,170 vacant properties, many of which are awaiting upgrade or disposal, which together cost £38m a year.
NAO head Tim Burr said: ‘The MoD needs to press on with disposing of vacant properties so that it can focus resources on improving the remaining stock.’
Edward Leigh, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said the MoD was not moving fast enough to improve the quality of its accommodation.
