Military Housing Repairs Can’t Wait

Today I asked the Secretary of State in the House how service families will be protected and whether responsive repairs to their homes will continue while a large-scale military housing upgrade is underway. I said:

“I welcome the £9 billion investment into military housing, but could the Secretary reassure Members, those serving and their families that responsive repairs won’t be put on hold in the hope of getting a new bathroom, kitchen or heating system?”

The Government’s announcement of a £9 billion programme to modernise more than 40,000 military homes is a major step. But the critical issue right now is day-to-day living conditions, damp, broken boilers, leaking roofs, and inadequate heating. Service personnel and their families deserve homes that work now, not just promises in ten years.

From my time working in housing, I know how damaging it is when repairs are delayed. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s stress, it affects morale, and it impacts families who serve our country. My question today was intended to ensure that while the big long-term plan is delivered, the short-term maintenance doesn’t get forgotten.

It’s simple: Service families should not be left living in substandard homes while waiting for a full refurbishment. I’ll continue to press the Ministry of Defence to publish a clear timeline for maintenance, ensure that contractors are held to account, and guarantee that service families are treated with the same standards we expect for every household.

Everyone who sacrifices so much for our country deserves a home that makes life easier, not one that adds to the burden.