Armed Forces Families to Receive Priority for New Homes

Families of armed forces personnel and veterans will gain priority access to new homes constructed on surplus land owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This initiative, announced by Defence Secretary John Healey, comes after the UK Government agreed to repurchase over 36,000 properties from the private sector for nearly £6 billion. The plan, termed the “Forces First” scheme, aims to improve housing conditions for military families, which have faced significant challenges in recent years.

During Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Healey emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the “shameful” state of armed forces housing. He stated that the previous Conservative administration had adversely affected the morale of servicemen and women, leading to a recruitment and retention crisis. “In our first year in office, Labour began the hard work to stop the rot and start the renewal of armed forces housing,” he said.

Under the new scheme, military personnel and veterans will receive “first dibs” on homes built on repurposed MoD land. Labour officials noted that there is potential for over 100,000 homes to be developed on such sites. This move is seen as crucial in delivering quality accommodation for both service members and civilian families across the UK.

In a report released in December 2023, the Commons Defence Committee highlighted that approximately two-thirds of accommodation for service families requires extensive refurbishment or rebuilding to meet current standards. The committee warned that unless improvements are made, many personnel might consider leaving the military due to issues such as damp and mouldy homes.

The new housing measures will apply to specific developments based on agreements between the MoD, local authorities, and developers. These decisions will take into account demand and the viability of the sites. The recent acquisition of 36,347 homes from property firm Annington marks a significant reversal of the 1996 privatisation process, which had left taxpayers at a disadvantage, costing nearly £8 billion in rental payments and associated liabilities.

The deal was formally concluded on Thursday, and it is expected to eliminate the annual rental cost of £230 million associated with these properties. While the government’s financial outlay for the repurchase is substantial, officials have indicated that the net financial impact on debt will remain limited to £1.7 billion, as the liabilities from the leases are now removed.

As the UK Government pushes forward with the “Forces First” initiative, the focus remains on enhancing the living conditions for those who serve and have served in the military, ensuring that their housing needs are met with urgency and care.