Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
The management of Single Living Accommodation encompasses both people and infrastructure, and involves multiple stakeholders...
Conclusion
The management of Single Living Accommodation encompasses both people and infrastructure, and involves multiple stakeholders across defence. There is no overarching strategy for Single Living Accommodation setting out what the Department wishes to achieve or bringing together the aims of the various stakeholders.54 The Department has acknowledged a lack of governance and ownership and in response set up a Single Living Accommodation Expert Group (SLAEG) in 2019. This body acts as the central focal point for all work relating to Single Living Accommodation but lacks decision-making powers. The Department also created the Accommodation Coherence Group (ACG) to bring together the relevant infrastructure and people functions.55 The Department told us it will consider appointing a senior sponsor for Single Living Accommodation, look at the roles and responsibilities the post should have, and include it in the Defence Accommodation Strategy later this year.56
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5: PAC conclusion: Management of Single Living Accommodation has long suffered from a lack of coordination, ownership and strategic grip. 5: PAC recommendation: The Department should review and simplify the governance structures for Single Living Accommodation, including clarifying overall responsibility, and ensuring that those making decisions have the necessary capability and capacity. 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2021 5.2 Management of SLA is delegated to the single Services, therefore the picture across Defence’s SLA provision is complex, with management and future investment planning varying to suit the needs of each Service. To cohere activity across the Services, the department has clear governance arrangements through the Single Living Accommodation Expert Group and the Accommodation Coherence Group. In response to the NAO recommendations, the Chief of Defence People has been confirmed as the senior sponsor within the department. 5.3 The department will review and enhance the governance structure for SLA to incorporate the newly appointed senior sponsor and bring together policy, delivery and funding by the end of summer 2021. This will enhance coherence across policy, delivery and single Services stakeholders with robust senior coordination of issues requiring departmental parity whilst maintaining clear demarcation at the single Service level, maintaining the delegated SLA management model.