Plymouth Armed Forces personnel live in shameful conditions
Plymouth is proud to be a military city. The military spirit runs deep here, and the community values those who serve. However, the conditions in which many armed forces personnel and their families live are nothing short of disgraceful. Service accommodation is in a dire state and only getting worse, with issues like mould, broken boilers, vermin, leaks, and endless waits for repairs becoming shockingly common.
New figures uncovered by Labour this week reveal that 42% of service personnel in Devon live in the lowest grade of service accommodation, which exceeds the national average. This equates to nearly 1,000 individuals who are subjected to substandard living conditions.
Examples of the deplorable state of these accommodations are evident in places like Bickleigh Barracks, where over 100 maintenance issues were reported in accommodation buildings between 2022 and 2023. At Stonehouse Barracks, an average of one boiler broke down every day last year. Even more concerning is the fact that across the country, 1,300 personnel are forced to live in accommodation so poor that no rent is charged.
Luke Pollard, an MP and the Shadow Armed Forces Minister, is particularly concerned about these conditions. As the son of a Royal Navy submariner himself, he understands the importance of upholding the promises made to those who serve. Pollard has given a commitment, with the support of Keir Starmer, that a future Labour government will prioritize defense housing if they win the next election.
In addition to this commitment, Pollard is running a campaign called Homes Fit for Heroes to give a voice to personnel and listen to their experiences. One individual who has served in the armed forces for two decades has expressed feeling compelled to leave the Army due to their unfit to live in home. These stories and others have been submitted as evidence to an independent review on armed forces housing, which will inform Labour’s plan for government.
But it doesn’t stop there. Pollard envisions establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner through legislation to serve as a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families. This Commissioner would have the authority to investigate and shed light on issues such as poor accommodation and faulty equipment.
With the current rise in threats to the UK, it is more crucial than ever to recruit and retain the best individuals in the armed forces. However, such appalling living conditions undoubtedly contribute to falling morale and increasing attrition rates. Pollard emphasizes that urgent change is necessary, and if the current government fails to address the dire state of defense housing, a future Labour government will take action.
The objective is clear: to ensure that armed forces personnel and their families have access to suitable and safe accommodation. The promise made to those who serve must be honored, and steps must be taken to rectify the current situation. The commitment, campaign, and proposed legislation put forth by Luke Pollard demonstrate a strong determination to address these issues head-on.
It is essential for the wellbeing and effectiveness of the armed forces that their living conditions reflect the value and respect they deserve. The future of defense housing rests on the actions of those in power, and it is up to the government to make a change.
