Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins has welcomed the Labour Government’s new £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy, which it says is the biggest renewal of military housing in more than half a century.
The landmark plan will see nine in ten military homes across the UK upgraded or rebuilt, including hundreds here in Wales, where more than 800 service family homes are set for major improvements.
The government says the new Defence Housing Service will put service families first, ensuring that those who serve our country are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The strategy also aims to unlock thousands of new homes on surplus Defence land, helping to deliver new affordable homes for veterans, military personnel and civilian families across the UK.
Becky Gittins said: “The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces — and their families — make huge sacrifices to keep us safe. The very least they deserve is a warm, safe home they can be proud of.
"For too long, families in military accommodation were let down by years of neglect and a botched Tory privatisation deal that left homes to crumble while private landlords cashed in.
This Labour Government is putting that right. We’ve brought military housing back into public ownership, we’re investing billions to fix and modernise homes, and we’re delivering homes fit for our heroes.”
Earlier this year, the Labour Government brought 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, saving taxpayers around £600,000 every day — money that is now being reinvested directly into upgrading and rebuilding homes for forces families.
Across Wales, service family homes — including those connected to North Wales bases — will benefit from this investment, alongside opportunities to deliver new housing on surplus Defence land, says the government.
The local MP added: “As the MP for Clwyd East, I’m proud to back a plan that recognises the vital contribution that Welsh service families make.
"Whether it’s those serving locally or the many veterans who’ve chosen to make North Wales their home, this investment will deliver better housing, stronger communities, and the respect our Armed Forces community has earned. At this time of year, as we prepare to mark Remembrance, it’s more important than ever that we honour those who’ve served — not just with words, but with action.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Our British forces personnel and our veterans fulfil the ultimate public service. The very least they deserve is a decent home.
"This new strategy will embed a ‘Forces First’ approach that tells our forces, our veterans and their families: we are on your side.”
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