Armed Forces Housing in ‘crippled state’ says Defence Sec

During a Defence Committee session, Defence Secretary John Healey criticised the state of the Armed Forces housing, describing it as having been left in a “crippled state” after 14 years of underinvestment.

The discussion highlighted concerns about the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) recent admission that it would require at least £2 billion to bring the defence estate up to standard.

Michelle Scrogham, MP, cited the DIO chief executive’s description of the estate as “shocking,” asking Healey if meaningful improvements could be achieved without substantial capital investment. Healey acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating:

“The comment you cited is a reflection of the results of what hollowing out really means in practice over a period. When there are pressures, the things that very easily get put to the side are the long-term investments… They are perhaps more critical and more fundamental in defence than in many other services and departments.”

Healey stressed that infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting effective and ready Armed Forces, noting that the ongoing Strategic Defence Review (SDR) would prioritise this area. He remarked:

“I expect the reviewers to have a strong focus on the state of the infrastructure now and the critical role that it will play in the future.”

Healey was blunt about the mismanagement of recent funding. He pointed to the additional £400 million allocated in 2023-24 and 2024-25, which, he argued, was not effectively utilised:

“Officials have admitted to me that the money was not spent effectively. In particular, there are serious questions over the profile of that spending. Almost all the £180 million allocated for this financial year was effectively committed by the end of April.”

This left the Armed Forces with limited resources to address housing issues during winter, a time when demand is traditionally higher. Healey suggested the responsibility lay with previous Ministers, adding:

“There are some big questions to ask of previous Ministers about why it was managed in that way, why the spend was profiled in that way, and why that welcome fresh investment is not available for the large part of this financial year.”

David Williams, the Permanent Secretary, acknowledged the challenges, emphasising the need for consistent and sustained investment. He stated:

“Although we have allocated additional capital investment to the accommodation aspects of the estate over the last two years, it is short-term investment… We have not really begun to get the full effect of that money.”

Williams highlighted the importance of incorporating infrastructure funding into long-term plans:

“Baking in an appropriate level of capital investment for infrastructure generally, but for service accommodation in particular, will be an important part of how those plans are finalised.”

Lt Gen Sir Rob Magowan echoed the need for a preventive approach to maintenance and rationalisation of the estate, noting:

“We have been living on a sort of fix-on-fail approach to our single-living accommodation and service families’ accommodation. We have started to move to a preventive regime, but that is also going to involve increased investment.”

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