Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
We questioned why in contrast to properties rented from other providers such as local authorities,...
Conclusion
We questioned why in contrast to properties rented from other providers such as local authorities, housing associations or private landlords, where there is a legally required standard for the accommodation, there is no specified standard for Single Living Accommodation. This is also in contrast to Service Family Accommodation where the Department has committed to meet the government’s ‘Decent Homes Standard’.36 The Department told us it will define a minimum standard for the condition of the accommodation this year. We noted that without a baseline for what was an acceptable condition, the Department would not be able to set a budget for repairs or refurbishments.37 In addition, having a minimum standard would help in making the case for prioritisation of funding to maintain the estate.38
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
2: PAC conclusion: Although many service personnel live in poor quality Single Living Accommodation and are dissatisfied with their accommodation and with the maintenance and repairs service, the Department appeared surprisingly complacent about resolving this long-term issue. 2a: PAC recommendation: The Department should set out clearly in its Defence Accommodation Strategy: how and when it will eradicate the poorest quality accommodation. 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2021 2.2 The DAS will set the strategic direction for the department’s accommodation provision and approach to standards, but separate working groups will set specific standards. This will include a minimum standard for the condition of SLA which will be key to identifying and then eradicating the poorest quality accommodation. 2.3 It is already the department’s policy that SLA should not be used if it fails to meet statutory minimum standards of safety and compliance. Furthermore, once the minimum quality standard for SLA has been defined, all SLA will be assessed ahead of incorporating necessary improvements into works programmes from financial year 2023-24. 2b: PAC recommendation: The Department should set out clearly in its Defence Accommodation Strategy: a target level of satisfaction for Single Living Accommodation and the steps it will take to achieve this. 2.4 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 2.5 Understanding service personnel’s views is important for future work and planning around SLA and a minimum standard for the condition of SLA will be determined by the department by the end of 2021. But, whilst the DAS will develop a picture of the needs of service personnel through its Lived Experience work, the first iteration of the strategy will not seek to set a target for satisfaction. 2.6 Unlike Service Families Accommodation, limited data specific to SLA is currently available to inform future planning and investment. Before setting a target level of satisfaction, work must first be conducted to understand service personnel’s needs and wants in relation to SLA. The detailed work for this will sit outside of the DAS. 13 2c: PAC recommendation: The Department should set out clearly in its Defence Accommodation Strategy: how it plans to gather the views of service personnel on Single Living Accommodation. 2.7 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Target implementation date: December 2021 2.8 Whilst the department commits to gathering Service personnel views on SLA, the specifics of how this will be conducted are likely to be set outside of the DAS. The DAS will, however, set clear expectations on engagement with Service Personnel to inform decisions. 2.9 The department’s SLA Expert Group is currently assessing how best for service personnel views to inform changes to SLA, including using surveys to understand personnel needs and wants. Data collected through these routes will be used to improve management of the estate.