The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) will become a permanent waiver for eligible Service personnel (SP) and outdated waivers based on marriage and age will be retired.

First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.

What are the key changes from 1 April 2026?

• Enduring Policy: On 1 April 2026 the DAW will go from a temporary waiver to a permanent waiver, ensuring long-term support for eligible Service personnel.

• Removal of outdated Waivers: Waivers for SLA charges based on marital status and age will be retired, promoting fairness and consistency. Regular and Full Time Reserve Services Full Commitment (FTRS FC) Service Personnel receiving outdated waivers will automatically go onto DAW – no action needed.

• Updated Eligibility Criteria: To ensure efficient use of SLA, eligibility rules have been updated. Service personnel must maintain a UK home outside daily commuting distance, and provide annual evidence to HR.

• New Applicants: If you are not currently using DAW but believe you are eligible, please contact your Unit HR directly.

• Full eligibility details are set out in latest news on Defence accommodation policy - GOV.UK

New Travel Credit Scheme

New Travel Credit Scheme – helping you reunite with loved ones this Christmas

A new one-off Travel Credit Scheme will help Service personnel get home to family and friends during the festive season and months that follow.

From 8 December, eligible personnel can claim for support with the cost of either road or rail travel for a return journey home. The new scheme extends the existing Get You Home (Early Years) provision.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“When I came into office, I promised to renew our nation’s contract with those who serve us. That is why this government is improving homes for heroes, delivering the biggest military pay rise in a generation and enshrining the new Armed Forces Covenant in law to properly represent our forces community.

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices, and I know how important being with family is, and that is why today we’re announcing extra travel support for service personnel to be with their loved ones this Christmas.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our country safe. Helping them get home to their families for Christmas is the least we can do to support them.

“In this new era of threat, the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. Having already awarded the biggest military pay rise in 20 years and launched a big new strategy to renew military housing, this Government is proudly putting our Forces First.”

Who’s eligible to receive payment

West Midlands: Telford Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

 Full details can be found HERE

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

West Midlands: Telford & Wrekin Knife Crime Parent Workshop - 8 December and 12 February

 Register via the QR code

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Hereford: Free Activities for Eligible Children this Christmas

Parents and carers in Herefordshire can now book up to 16 hours of free, fun-filled activities for their children during the Christmas holidays.

The Here for Herefordshire Christmas Activities Programme, funded by the Department for Education and coordinated by Herefordshire Council’s Talk Community Team, is designed to support families and keep children active and engaged during the festive season.

Children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals are eligible to take part.

Activities include:Cheerleading
Parkour and breakdancing
Football camps
Christmas cooking and crafts
Digital skills and coding

Every child attending will also receive a free healthy meal.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’re delighted to continue this programme for eligible families this Christmas.

“With the help of our fantastic providers, children can learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy fun activities during the festivities.”

Parents and carers can book their child’s activities online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/haf

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

St Athan: New ways to contact your St Athan Community Councillors

  
New ways to contact your St Athan Community Councillors!
They now have official email addresses — making it easier than ever to get in touch!

www.stathancommunitycouncil.co.uk
New website launching in the New Year!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Scotland: Leuchars HIVE closure

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Hereford: Free school meals for the Christmas holidays

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Free School Meals Support Continues for Herefordshire Families This Christmas
Thousands of children and young people across Herefordshire will continue to receive free school meals support during the Christmas school holidays, helping families manage rising living costs.

Over 4,700 primary and secondary school pupils entitled to benefits-related free school meals will receive a food voucher worth up to £30 (or equivalent) directly through their schools.
This voucher is designed to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the holiday period.
Children eligible for the early years pupil premium who are not in a school setting will receive their voucher posted directly from Herefordshire Council

For more information about the Herefordshire free school meals scheme for the Christmas holidays, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm
· The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government’s Household Support Fund.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Bovington: Bump, baby & toddler event - Sun 25th Jan 2026 Register your interest now!

 

In partnership with Little Pickles Markets, The Tank Museum is proud to present its first Bump, Baby & Toddler event – featuring special guest speaker Zoe Blaskey.

Visitors can browse the baby & children’s nearly new sale, listen to a range of talks from our guest speakers, enjoy baby & toddler-friendly activities and enjoy exploring The Tank Museum – with its soft play area, perfect for tots!

Plus, for this event, The Tank Museum is delighted to offer 50% off admission – and under 4s go free! Register your interest Little Pickles Market - The Tank Museum to be notified when tickets become available.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' Mon 8th Dec - LAST CHANCE TO GET TICKETS

 

This year's Garrison pantomime from the Forces Foundation will be performed by professional actors from the Panto bus.

Come join us for this year’s live performance of Sleeping Beauty.

Venue: Blandford Garrison Cinema.

Refreshments will be available to purchase from the cinema shop.

Doors open 1645hrs Performance starts at 1730hrs.

Tickets available from Welfare Office, Williams Building £3 per person.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Free community Christmas event - Friday 12th Dec at Poppies tea rooms

If you've got any kids toys you don't need please drop of at Poppies Tearooms, King George V Rd, Bovington. Open 9am-3pm Monday's to Fridays (Until 5th Dec)

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison request for volunteers

If you are interested please email BLANDFORDGAR-BGSUWELFARE@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Staffordshire Police - Look out for each other and trust your instincts

With the winter season full of events such as festive markets and Christmas shopping, we want to ensure that you enjoy the fun safely.You can play a vital role in helping to keep everyone safe. When you’re out and about, make sure you stay alert for:

Anyone filming exits, entrances or CCTV.
Any unattended bags.
Anything you hear or see, which doesn’t feel right.

Tell a member of staff, security or police. You won’t be wasting our time.

In an emergency call 999.

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Your Offer - Armed Forces Survey - Survey deadline extended to 15 Dec

Survey deadline now extended to 15 December 2025

Our people deserve a reward package that meets their needs & reflects their dedicated Service.

Regular personnel – what parts of the #ArmedForces Offer are you most satisfied with? And where do you need extra support?

Tell us so we can build an Offer that works for you 👇

https://ow.ly/2RET50XmmUg

Leuchars Station: Community Centre Timetable of events

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Contact the HIVE for more information; RC-Per-HIVE-Scotland-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Hullavington: Latest newsletter available online - Dec 25-Jan 26 edition

 

In this edition you will find lots of events, both seasonal and regular, as well as a plea for volunteers to help with Jolly Tots baby & toddler group.

Please click here to read the Hullavington News online!

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs

Brecon & Haverfordwest: February Half Term AWS Residential Trip for Brecon & Haverfordwest

 
Click here to read the above letter online.

To book a place please email samantha.humphries743@mod.gov.uk

If you have not already done so, you will need to complete the annual registration for AWS activities.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Scotland: Confused about where to access the healthcare you need?

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By getting the Right Care in the Right Place, we can all keep well and get the help we need quickly, safely, and as close to home as possible.

💻NHS INFORM - check symptoms and find health advice to help you stay well.

📲 NHS 24 ONLINE APP - use the chatbot to check your symptoms and find nearest services.

💊 PHARMACIST - help and advice with minor ailments and prescription medication.

🧠 MENTAL WELLBEING - online and telephone resources to help with mental health.

👁 OPTOMETRIST - help with eye problems including sticky eyes or reduced vision.

Scotland: Getting the medicine you need

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars Station: Pop up Post Office

A Pop up Post Office is held in the Leuchars Community Hall (building with the cash machine/co-working hub).

Opening hours are Wednesday 9.30am - 11.30am

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE