Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Ministry of Defence reviewing housing estate to address poor conditions and recruitment issues.
Recommendation
We raised concerns about the Ministry of Defence housing estate.26 The Chief Executive of the DIO told us that the Ministry is undertaking a review of the housing estate in order to address poor condition. As part of the review, it is considering maintenance, private funding, disposals and redevelopment.27 Prioritising this review will be important for addressing ongoing wider recruitment and retention issues in the Ministry of Defence. 20 Q 21 21 Q 58 22 C&AG’s Report, para 1.10 23 C&AG’s Report, para 1.10 24 Q 30 25 Q 13 26 Q 84 27 Q 86 12
Government Response Summary
The Ministry of Defence will report to the Committee its plan for redeveloping its housing estate, including long-term plans in the departmental SAMP, disposals, redevelopment and maintenance, target implementation date Autumn 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3. PAC conclusion: Many departments’ property plans lack the information necessary to manage and maintain their portfolios. 3b. PAC recommendation: The Ministry of Defence should report to the Committee its plan for redeveloping its housing estate and include long–term plans in the departmental SAMP. The plan should also include details on proposed disposals, redevelopment and maintenance. 3.5 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 3.6 The Defence Housing Strategy Review (DHSR) is being driven by an independent review team and chaired by former member of Parliament and housing expert, who met with the Committee Chair on 17 June 2025 to discuss the Defence Housing Strategy. 3.7 DHSR is planned for publication later in the year and will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of Service Family Accommodation. It will also identify surplus military land for development, create greater opportunities for Armed Forces home ownership and support the delivery of affordable homes for families across the UK as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. The Defence Housing Strategy will inform follow on work to develop a comprehensive Strategic Asset Management Plan that will include Service Family Accommodation. 3.8 A new Consumer Charter to improve Service Family Accommodation for Service Personnel and their families was announced on Friday 18 April 2025. The final Charter will form part of the new Defence Housing Strategy.