£9billion boost for military housing

KEIR Starmer today vows to end the scandal of soldiers and their families living in damp and run-down homes, as he announces a £9billion upgrade to Armed Forces housing. More than 40,000 military homes will be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt in what the Government is calling the biggest upgrade to Armed Forces housing in half a century.

- By Jonathan Walker

Labour says the building bonanza will also boost the economy, while surplus Ministry of Defence land will provide homes for civilians too.

Sir Keir said: “Our Armed Forces families make extraordinary sacrifices for our country, and deserve homes that truly feel like home.

“This record investment will deliver modern, safe and comfortable housing for tens of thousands of service families. This is a plan for generational renewal that puts forces first, giving those who serve, and those who support them, the security and respect they deserve.”

It follows warnings that two-thirds of the 47,800 properties intended for service families require major work to meet modern standards, after decades of neglect.