Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Military Housing: Annington Homes

Monday 15 March 2021 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with Annington Homes representatives focused on the sale of military housing where the MOD no longer requires them.
  • Annington felt unable to facilitate tenants remaining in situ despite MOD support.
  • The notice period for affected civilians has been extended to 31 March 2022, providing over 18 months' notice.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Defence Housing
Context

The MP is inquiring about ongoing discussions related to the transfer of military housing properties from the Ministry of Defence to Annington Homes. This issue has garnered interest due to its impact on military personnel and their families.

Question

What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of Annington Homes on the sale of military housing. The MP noted that the MOD no longer requires these homes and is transferring them back, but some tenants wish to remain in situ despite Annington's decision not to facilitate this option.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Despite producing a significant package of support to assist Annington, which was intended to allow our tenants to remain in situ in many cases, Annington felt unable to pursue this course. However, the notice period for affected civilians will be extended to 31 March 2022, providing over 18 months' notice total. Additionally, Annington has no objection in principle to selling properties to local authorities or other social housing providers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP specifically asked for details about recent discussions with Annington Homes on the sale of military housing, but the Minister did not provide specific information about these discussions. Instead, he focused on extending the notice period and potential commercial transactions.

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Q2 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
NHS Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The MP is concerned about the notice period for tenants being affected by the transfer of military housing properties from Annington Homes. This concern arises amidst ongoing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question

I join the Minister and, I am sure, the whole House in expressing sympathy for the family and friends of Sergeant Hillier. A number of my constituents are keen to remain in their homes; is there no way that Annington Homes can facilitate this? If not, given the ongoing pandemic, can the Minister provide a longer notice period to help tenants with certainty?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Mindful of representations made by colleagues, considering packages of houses rather than single units, and taking into account ongoing COVID restrictions, we will extend the notice period to 31 March 2022. This provides over 18 months' notice total. Annington has no objection in principle to selling properties to local authorities or other social housing providers, though these would be commercial propositions.

Answered
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