234,000 repairs a year needed to forces’ homes – Rennie

11.50.00am GMT Wed 23rd Dec 2009

The company responsible for providing forces family accommodation received 234,000 call-outs for repairs – an average of over five per home – in the last year, according to figures revealed by the Liberal Democrats.

The number of repair calls received by Modern Housing Solutions, which is contracted by the MoD to maintain around 44,000 homes for the families of service personnel, also represents an increase of 42,000 – or 22% – on the 192,000 call-outs received in April 2006-March 2007.

Commenting, Willie Rennie MP: Liberal Democrat Defence Spokespersonn, Willie Rennie said:

“This is yet more evidence of the poor condition of forces housing.

“With their loved ones risking their lives on the front line, the very least service families deserve is a decent home.

“The Government has failed to treat our brave troops and their families with the respect they deserve. The MOD needs to get its act together on forces accommodation.”

Notes:

1. The figures for November 2008-October 2009 were received in answer to a Parliamentary Question: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091123/text/91123w0005.htm#09112314000437

2. They represent an increase of around 42,000 on the figures for April 2006-March 2007: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070326/text/70326w0029.htm#07032713002204