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November 3, 2022

Latest news for SFA residents

Updates on accommodation contracts

For updates on the accommodation contracts, please go to Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) where you can subscribe for update notifications.

Compensation for emergency accommodation stays

Families may be entitled to compensation if you experience inconvenience such as missed appointments, total loss of heating or cooking facilities, or having to move into emergency accommodation if a major repair needs to be carried out in your home. More information on the rates and types of compensation can be found here.

In the case of emergency hotel stays, families can claim compensation to cover subsistence, including food. The rate of compensation in this instance is a £25 voucher per person (13 years or above) per night and a £10 voucher per person (under 13 years) per night. Pinnacle will administer the compensation automatically on behalf of Pinnacle, VIVO or Amey.

Once details such as the number of people, ages and email addresses have been agreed by the family and Pinnacle, compensation will be sent to you via email within five working days.

Compensation is paid in the form of Love2Shop vouchers. The e-vouchers can be used at a wide range of retailers and now includes supermarkets including ASDA, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. The full list of retailers where vouchers can be redeemed can be viewed here.

Installing smart meters in SFA homes

If you would like to install a smart meter in your home or change the existing smart meter, you can make a request directly to your utility supplier. You don’t need to seek permission from DIO.

There is also no need to remove the smart meter when you move out of your SFA home. Please leave the digital display unit for the next family to use.

If you live in a home where your electric and/or gas is supplied by the MOD, you cannot request to change the meter. However, DIO is planning a programme of meter replacements to these homes to be delivered when other significant electrical works are also carried out in the SFA.

Combined Accommodation Assessment System (CAAS) Surveys

CAAS surveys of your home are important and we are grateful for your cooperation in allowing these surveys take place. DIO will write to you in advance to inform you when a survey needs to take place. It is important you allow the surveyor access to your home. If the date of the CAAS survey isn’t convenient for you, please rearrange at the earliest opportunity using the contact details in your letter. We can then agree a time that works for you.

CAAS surveys are important as they ensure service family homes are safe for occupation and that the correct CAAS Band charge is being applied. The data gathered at CAAS surveys will also identify what works are required at that address and will inform future upgrade and improvement programmes.

Further information about CAAS can be found here. 

Staffordshire: Beacon Park Run in Lichfield


A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! 🏃 

The event takes place at Beacon Park, Swan Rd, Lichfield, WS13 6QZ.

Full details:👉 Parkrun - Beacon Park

Information sourced by: Lichfield HIVE

Ripple Pond Newsletter Nov 22

Please click Here to read the Newsletter

Royal Collection Trust

All valid MOD90 and Defence Discount Service (DDS) card holders are entitled to complimentary admission to Windsor Castle, on production of their card. Further details about Windsor Castle can be found here.

Cardholders are entitled to a complimentary ticket for themselves and up to four other guests, after 12:00 noon at Royal Collection Trust venues. Please note admission is subject to availability and at sites where we operate a timed-admission system you will be offered admission for the next available time slot.

Tickets are available to be booked in advance by calling our Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)303 123 7304, please note all telephone bookings are subject to a £2.00 booking fee.  You will need to present your MOD90/DDS card at the ticket desk on arrival to collect your tickets.

DDS cardholders will also need to bring supporting photographic identification such as a passport, driving licence or MOD90 card.

For further admission information please visit the website www.rct.uk or telephone the Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)303 123 7304.