More than 4,000 members of Armed Forces live in accommodation so poor that no rent is charged, shocking figures reveal
- More than 4,000 members of Armed Forces in accommodation below Grade 4
- This means the Single Living Accommodation is so poor that no rent is charged
- Labour’s John Healey accuses Government of ‘failing in their duty’ to personnel
More than 4,000 members of the Armed Forces live in accommodation so poor that no rent is charged, shocking figures have revealed.
According to the Ministry of Defence’s own data, 4,360 personnel live in accommodation in such a state of disrepair that it can’t be graded.
The revelation has seen the Government face claims it is ‘failing in their duty’ to servicemen and servicewomen who are ‘forced to live in discomfort’.
The MoD categorises non-family accommodation between four grades, depending on the standard of housing.
Just 21 per cent of those in Single Living Accommodation this year are in Grade 1, which is the highest rating given by the MoD.
This is the lowest proportion of personnel living in top-rated accommodation since 2018.
By contrast, nearly 39,000 personnel – 40 per cent of all those in Single Living Accommodation – have been living in the lowest-rated Grade 4 accommodation this year.
Yet the MoD data, uncovered by Labour, also revealed 4,360 personnel have been living in accommodation so poor it is deemed to be below Grade 4.
According to the Ministry of Defence’s own data, 4,360 personnel live in accommodation in such a state of disrepair that it can’t be graded
Labour’s shadow defence secretary John Healey accused ministers of ‘failing in their duty’ to servicemen and servicewomen who are ‘forced to live in discomfort’
The MoD pointed to a promise to make all Single Living Accommodation ‘fit for purpose’ by 2030 with new investment
Single Living Accommodation is graded by the MoD based on ‘deficiency points’ allocated to housing across 14 criteria.
This includes the condition of bedroom decoration, fixtures and fittings, adequacy of heating systems and the proximity of toilet and washing facilities.
If accommodation is given 26 or more deficiency points, it is deemed to be below Grade 4 and means the rental charge is waived with only the cost of utilities charged.
John Healey, Labour’s shadow defence secretary, said: ‘The Conservatives are failing in their duty to our service personnel, who are forced to live in discomfort as proprieties fall into disrepair.
‘The standard of accommodation has been consistently low and getting worse under this government yet nothing’s changed.
‘These conditions wouldn’t be unacceptable in civilian life, and they certainly aren’t acceptable for actively serving personnel.
‘The Government must deliver homes fit for those serving our country.’
The MoD pointed to a promise to make all Single Living Accommodation ‘fit for purpose’ by 2030 with new investment.
A spokesperson said: ‘While 95 per cent of this type of accommodation is between Grades 1 and 4, the provision of good quality, secure accommodation for Service Personnel is a key priority.
‘That’s why we are introducing minimum standards and spending more than £1.6 billion over the next decade to make improvements and build new living quarters.’
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