Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Deferred
Poor quality accommodation significantly impacts defence personnel retention and engagement
Conclusion
The Department acknowledged that providing poor quality accommodation negatively impacts its personnel. Most significantly, it increases the risk that people leave the service earlier than they otherwise would.41 This is a serious risk given the problems with retention that the Department has set out and the length of time it takes to train specialist staff such as engineers.42 37 Q 101 38 C&AG’s report, para 3.27 39 C&AG’s report, para 2.13 40 Q 105 41 Q 107 42 Qq 101, 103 12 The Department also told us that it needs to upgrade accommodation so that staff become more engaged and feel more valued, with the implication that poor accommodation reduces personnel engagement.43
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.