Armed forces personnel and veterans are set to receive priority access to housing developed on Ministry of Defence land, according to a recent Government announcement. The initiative, known as ‘Forces First,’ aims to provide up to 100,000 properties on repurposed defence sites.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of addressing the housing challenges faced by military personnel and their families. He highlighted the impact of substandard housing on morale and recruitment, stating that improving living conditions is crucial.
Under the new plan, the Government plans to allocate £1.5 billion by 2029 to enhance the quality of military housing. Labour aims to expand homeownership opportunities for personnel and veterans, ensuring access to affordable and high-quality homes.
Addressing delegates in Liverpool, Mr. Healey criticized the Conservatives for neglecting Armed Forces housing, leading to a decline in morale and recruitment. He pledged to accelerate housing construction on Defence land to benefit both service members and civilian families nationwide.
Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend of more personnel leaving than joining the regular forces under the previous government. Mr. Healey made these remarks during a visit to the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, where he celebrated a significant warship export deal with Norway.
The MOD’s substantial investment in the north-west region, totaling nearly £5 billion and supporting thousands of jobs, underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the defense industry. The export deal with Norway is expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs and inject £10 billion into the British economy, demonstrating the positive impact on local employment and economic growth.