Defence Secretary Calls Armed Forces Housing a National Scandal
- The Kerslake Commission reported severe issues with military housing, including dampness and heating problems.
- Satisfaction with accommodation has dropped significantly, with only 10% of personnel rating morale as high.
- The Labour government is taking action to improve housing conditions and morale among armed forces personnel.
In the UK, Defence Secretary John Healey has criticized the previous government's handling of housing for armed forces personnel, labeling it a 'national scandal.' This statement follows a report by the Kerslake Commission, which highlighted long-standing issues with military accommodation, including problems with insulation, dampness, heating, and pest infestations. The report indicated that satisfaction levels among service members regarding their housing have plummeted, with only 10% rating morale as high. The Labour government is now taking steps to address these issues, including setting new housing standards and establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner to advocate for service personnel and their families. This Commissioner will have the authority to investigate housing conditions and other service-related issues, aiming to improve overall morale and retention within the armed forces. The situation reflects a broader concern about the well-being of military personnel in the UK, as dissatisfaction with service life has reached record lows since 2007.