Too many military staff in substandard housing despite £135m spent on refurbishments, says watchdog

TOO many military staff are in substandard housing — despite the £135million spent on refurbishments, says a watchdog.

MPs warned that the forces risk losing highly skilled service personnel if improvements are not made.

The Public Accounts Committee said satisfaction only rose slightly, despite the Ministry of Defence improving around 3,800 homes.

Chairwoman Meg Hillier said: “Too many military service personnel find themselves in living quarters where the standard is simply not good enough.

“Poor accommodation puts a strain on working and family life and hits morale and retention rates.

“The nation cannot afford to lose experienced and skilled personnel simply because their homes are not up to standard.”

Housing satisfaction increased from 62 per cent to 64 per cent in the past year, and the MoD told the committee was targeting 68 per cent this year.

Ms Hillier, a Labour MP, also urged the MoD to slash the number of empty properties it holds while thousands of people nationwide sit on waiting lists.

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