Let’s get building: MOD set to start construction on first military homes in a decade
Good homes will be placed at the heart of UK military family life as the MOD is set to begin the construction of 265 new military family houses at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, the first such development in almost a decade. Families living in the area will see a range of new, modern apartments, houses and bungalows begin to be built at Carterton near the air base in the coming weeks, once formal approval is received.
In addition to the building of the houses at Brize Norton, DIO will also be refurbishing another 2,000 homes across the UK in the next 12 months alone, building on the 1,250 worst-condition properties already brought up to standard. This work is a step towards widening access for families who have previously not been able to benefit from a military home, with 1,000 of the refurbished houses being brought back into use for military families. This is almost double the number of previously empty homes that were brought online for families over the previous 12 months.
To read more on this, see the Defence Homes article here.
Message for Service families
We know many of you, especially those in long term relationships or with childcare responsibilities for more than 80 nights a year have been waiting a long time for clearer information about widening access to Defence housing. Thank you for your patience.
We understand how important it is for families to have clarity about their housing options, especially when it comes to making decisions about work, schooling, and other aspects of family life. This remains a priority for Defence, and we are continuing to develop the detail. The final approach will be shaped by the wider Defence Investment Plan, which will set out how Defence will spend its money over the coming years to deliver the priorities of the Strategic Defence Review, including equipment, housing, infrastructure and people. We will share further information as soon as we are able to provide clear and dependable guidance on what widening access will mean for you and your family and how it will work.
To read the full message, click here.
Updated security advice for families living in SFA
You will be aware of the heightened security threat to the Defence estate and personnel due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. As a result, enhanced vigilance measures are being implemented across all Defence establishments with immediate effect.
Families living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) outside the wire are strongly advised to adhere to the following enhanced vigilance measures:
a. Reporting:
If you observe any suspicious activity, unfamiliar persons, or anything that causes concern, please report it immediately to the Police, your local Guard room or the Defence Police. In an emergency, always call the relevant emergency service on 999.
b. Secure Entry Points:
Always ensure that all doors and windows are locked when you leave your home or go to bed. Contact the National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 immediately if locks on your doors or windows are broken.
c. Protection:
Ensure all valuable equipment and personal belongings are securely stored when not in use.
d. ID Passes:
DIO staff and Industry Partners (Amey, VIVO and Pinnacle) must wear their ID passes visibly at all times while on site. If you notice anyone without proper identification, you should challenge them to show their identification. Should you have any concerns about individuals in your area, please report this immediately either to your local welfare team, your Housing Officer, or the National Service Centre: 0800 031 8628.
e. Patrolling:
Where guard forces are present, there will be increased patrols throughout SFA areas. These patrols will be conducted randomly during both day and night to enhance security.
f. Neighbourhood Awareness:
Maintain good communication with your neighbours. Look out for each other and share any concerns about unusual activity in the area.
g. Avoid Sharing Personal Information Publicly:
Be cautious about sharing details of your location or absence on social media or with unknown individuals.
Your cooperation and vigilance are essential during this period of heightened security risk as a result of the Middle East crisis. Please remain alert and take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your families, and the Defence community.