The Ministry of Defence has set out measures it says are underway to improve the quality, maintenance and availability of Service Family Accommodation in Scotland, including upgrades already completed in Helensburgh and further work planned for 2026.
In response to a written parliamentary question from Labour MP Euan Stainbank, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said that “the Defence Housing Strategy sets out our vision for military housing across the UK, including the Devolved Nations.”
Pollard said the strategy will be delivered through the Defence Housing Service, which he described as being backed by major investment. He stated: “The Defence Housing Service will deliver the recommendations of our new Defence Housing Strategy which is backed by £9 billion of investment to build, renew and repair 9 in 10 defence family homes.”
He added that the programme is being supported through “our landmark deal which brought 36,000 properties into public ownership.”
Pollard said improvement work is already being carried out, stating: “We have transformed 1,000 of the worst homes ahead of schedule in time for Christmas, with hundreds more military properties to be upgraded by Spring 2026.” He noted that “over 50 of these homes were in Scotland.”
The minister also highlighted plans aimed at improving long-term planning and reducing the number of empty properties, saying: “A new demand and supply forecasting model will ensure that the future needs of the Armed Forces are more accurately planned for, enabling us to deliver housing in the right places to support military operations and reducing the number of homes that lie empty.”
Pollard also referenced a recent ministerial visit to Scotland, stating: “The Defence Secretary, John Healey MP visited Helensburgh in January 2026 to mark the impact the new Armed Forces Bill will have on Scottish personnel and their families, including those in Kinloss and Victoria Barracks.”
He said that during the visit Healey saw completed work and ongoing upgrades, adding: “Whilst in Scotland, he saw first-hand the rapid improvement works that were completed for over 50 military families in Helensburgh in time for Christmas last year and work underway for a further 170 homes which will be completed this year.”
Pollard concluded by stating that the MOD is continuing to push for improvements from contractors responsible for maintaining Service Family Accommodation, saying: “We continue to drive for both improved performance and increased value for money from the Accommodation Industry Partners who are responsible for the maintenance of Service Family Accommodation.”
He added that oversight is being maintained through regular performance checks, stating: “Performance is monitored on a monthly basis including oversight at Chief Executive level and through a series of regular reviews, including external audits.”
