Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Deferred
Defence estate accommodation, particularly at RAF Marham, remains inadequate and outdated
Conclusion
The Department accepted that accommodation at RAF Marham is not good enough, reflecting wider problems within the Defence estate, more than half of which is over 50 years old. The Department told us that it had identified the need for increased investment in accommodation in the Strategic Defence Review and is working through investment choices as part of the Defence Investment Plan. The Chief of the Defence Staff told us that the Royal Air Force has committed to upgrading all its accommodation in the lowest two categories so that it meets the criteria for the highest two categories. Across the whole Royal Air Force estate this will cost more than £1.5 billion over approximately 15 years.40
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, but will reassess infrastructure requirements against departmental priorities following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan and will advise the Committee by 31 May 2026 whether the current timescale for RAF Marham accommodation can be brought forward.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: May 2026 4.2 Following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan infrastructure requirements will be reassessed against departmental priorities. The department will write to the Committee by 31 May 2026 to advise whether the current timescale for RAF Marham accommodation can be brought forward.