Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Estate Optimisation Programme

Monday 15 March 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The defence estate optimisation portfolio is a 25-year multibillion-pound investment in modernising MOD basing to ensure resilience and excellence in personnel training.
  • The Government has committed to no disposal of Dale barracks before 2027, ensuring the armed forces can continue to support the north-west and the whole of the United Kingdom.
  • The Ministry of Defence plans to address financial sustainability with 18 million annually for single-living accommodation and an additional 200 million investment, including 1.5 billion over 12 years in new build and upgrade programmes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Matheson Lab
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the government's plans for a long-term investment in modernising military basing. The programme involves significant financial commitments and impacts operational training.

Question

What plans does he have to review the defence estate optimisation programme? The 25-year multibillion-pound investment aims at resilience and excellence in personnel training. However, the MP wants details on ongoing reviews considering evolving requirements such as those from the integrated review.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The defence estate optimisation portfolio is a 25-year multibillion-pound investment in modernising MOD basing. It provides resilience and ensures that our service personnel can train in centres of excellence alongside those beside whom they will fight. We routinely review and assess the programme in the light of evolving requirements, including the contents of the integrated review.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Chris Matheson Lab
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

The decision to consolidate the Army's presence in Weeton barracks is seen as detrimental. The MP highlights historical and operational benefits of retaining Dale barracks, suggesting it would enhance support coverage.

Question

The decision to site the entire Army presence in the north-west at Weeton barracks will damage the operational and recruitment footprint. Retaining Dale barracks would provide easy access to parts of the north-west and other regions. Will the Government reconsider selling off the Dale barracks?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We continue to speak to local stakeholders about alternative uses for the site. I assure the hon. Gentleman that no disposal will take place before 2027 at the earliest. The armed forces will continue to be able to provide support to the north-west and, indeed, the whole of the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on retaining Dale barracks was not given

How: Assurance Without Concrete Action

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Khalid Mahmood Lab
Defence
Context

A series of National Audit Office reports highlight a serious funding shortfall in the defence estate over the next three decades. The MP emphasises the link between poor infrastructure and military effectiveness.

Question

What steps has the Ministry of Defence taken to ensure financial sustainability? There is an £8.5 billion funding shortfall identified by the NAO for the next 30 years. How are they addressing this decline?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

£18 million a year is spent on single-living accommodation and additional funding of £200 million was provided. The frontline commands intend to invest £1.5 billion over 12 years in new build and upgrade programmes. We take the issue very seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific future funding details not revealed

How: Future Announcements

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)