Army families could lose housing rights

[Bob Bacon]

27 February 2012



Married military personnel living in service accommodation could be forced to leave their homes after eight years of service under plans being considered by the government, it has been reported.

The move would mean the families would have to privately rent property near bases, and is said to be part of a "New Employment Model" being considered by the MoD.

One of the options for the model includes cutting the period during which personnel are entitled to service accommodation to the first eight to ten years of service, according to a report in The Times.

Responding to the news, retired commander Major-General Patrick Cordingley said the move would be a "let down" for personnel.

"Soldiers who get married are expecting to be relieved of the worry of where they are going to live while they are serving," he told The Times. "I think [having to find their own accommodation] is something that soldiers will find difficult."

Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy said it would be wrong for personnel to be "thrown out" after eight years' service.

"The sacrifice of service requires fair treatment for as long as someone is in the armed forces," he said. "No disadvantage should arise from choosing to fight for your country.

"If the government fails to provide sufficient support for forces' accommodation people will consider that they do not understand the difficulties of military life, including the need to move and re-home in new communities.

"People will fear ministers are not honouring the Military Covenant."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said that the Defence Board would be considering a report on the New Employment Model in the summer.

"We are currently transforming our armed forces as in line with what was set out in the SDSR," the spokesman said.

"The New Employment Model is looking at a range of measures to ensure the support we provide our service personnel matches their evolving needs under Future Force 2020. No proposals have yet been made as to what will be included in the final package."

[steve bird]

when ever i read something like this it make's my heart sink,what is the government thinking off not our country that's for sure.

[bennyball2]

absolute Joke, are there going to be enough private dwellings or are they thinking they can use the married quarters for private rental and increase the rent??

[rikoshea]

definately want be enough private dwellings for those who require it, as the borders would have to be shut to immigrtion as all these are living in what private houses are available.

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Hard to see this ever getting past the drawing board. After 8 years service (a point where I think many decide whether it is to be a career or not) you would be looking at Corporals/Sergeants being put in a position of compulsory disruption for their families. ie if I have to move out I might as well make a clean break now. Even with such a small Army, could we afford to lose such experience year on year. The logistics of it would also be a nightmare. Time off to seek housing, distance - travelling to and from Barracks (travel claims). Families welfare - spread all over the shop.

Another quango with another ill-conceived idea, based on little or no experience and advised by nodding dogs. Time to squash it Mr Cameron before you have to make yet another U-turn.