Service Accommodation 2024-05-20
2024-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows reports of challenging financial conditions at the DIO leading to prioritization of urgent repairs over modifications that assist those with disabilities.
What is the budget for the maintenance of service accommodation for 2024-25? A constituent who had abdominal surgery was refused any kind of modification despite being unable to climb in and out of their bath, highlighting the real impact on servicemen's lives.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation's accommodation budget has not yet been finalised. An additional £400 million was announced last July, and over 10 years there will be an extra £4 billion investment due to the commitment to 2.5%. If the hon. Lady has a specific case, she can write about it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ensuring decent accommodation for those who serve.
If The Hon. Lady Has A Specific Case, She Can Write About It.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses support for service members in acquiring home ownership.
What support is there in the modernised accommodation offer to help soldiers, sailors and pilots get on the housing ladder?
Forces Help to Buy has been successful. Recent support includes covering conveyancing costs, as getting on the property ladder involves not just purchase but ancillary costs.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit specifically to supporting service personnel in home ownership beyond existing initiatives.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Kerslake commission's report found that the majority of service personnel are dissatisfied with their living conditions.
Given the Kerslake commission's findings, can the Minister honestly look service families in the eye and say military housing is good enough? One-third of service personnel live in low-grade accommodation.
We have invested an additional £400 million, leading to upgrades and dealing with issues like damp and mould. The commitment to 2.5% will bring another £4 billion over a decade, which Labour cannot match.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if military housing meets acceptable standards.
Armed Forces Personnel Know That Labour Cannot Deliver The Same Commitment To 2.5%.
Response accuracy