- Independent review launched to fix substandard military
accommodation for around 80,000 single and
unaccompanied service personnel
- Builds on £9.2 billion announced in the Defence
Housing Strategy to upgrade more than 40,000 service family
homes
- Experiences and voices of single and unaccompanied
personnel to be reflected
in the recommendations
Around 80,000 military personnel living
in single and unaccompanied accommodation in
the UK and overseas will see their living conditions
transformed through a new independent review into single
living accommodation provision.
The Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and Overseas Estate
Review is being launched today (30th January
2026) by the Minister for Veterans and People. This follows her
visit to RAF Brize Norton, after feedback from thousands of
personnel highlighted
that some accommodation is outdated and no
longer reflects modern service life –
reflecting years of chronic
underinvestment which drove down Armed Forces morale
and retention of military personnel.
Backed by the Defence Housing Strategy's £9.2 billion to improve
more than 40,000 service family homes, the Armed Forces
Bill is also legislating for a Defence
Housing Service that puts people first.
Repair and improvement works are already underway across single
living accommodation. Over the past three years, more than
614,000 maintenance calls have been completed on
SLA, including over 38,000 heating and hot water repairs,
with 95% resolved within target timescales. £244 million has been
spent on improvement works during this period. The Review will
build on this foundation, identifying where further
investment is needed most.
This marks a decisive shift to fixing longstanding problems
with housing, delivering on the government's
pledge to provide high-quality housing for the Armed Forces
community and the commitment to renew the contract with those who
serve.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and
People, said:
"For too many of our Service Personnel, their accommodation
simply isn't good enough. Years of underinvestment has meant our
people are dealing with damp, mould and poor heating – standards
well below what those defending our nation deserve.
"This Review is about showing our people that we're listening and
understanding how accommodation needs can adapt throughout their
lives and careers.
“We're committed to delivering real improvements that make a
genuine difference to daily life in our Armed Forces."
Service Personnel across all ranks and locations, in the UK
and overseas, will feed directly into recommendations
through site visits and engagement and
information sessions, ensuring their lived experience shapes
the outcome.
Ross OBE, who
successfully delivered the Defence Housing Strategy in November
2025, will chair the Review and lead an independent panel of
experts.
The Review will report in two phases; UK accommodation by
Summer 2026, followed by overseas sites by the end of the
year.
Ross OBE, Review Chair,
said:
“Our world class armed forces need top quality accommodation to
support their vital work. This review will consider how we can
boost barracks and improve overseas housing to improve the
conditions, experience and retention of serving
personnel.”
The Review complements the housing measures in the Armed Forces
Bill, which will establish a new Defence Housing
Service to drive a generational renewal of forces accommodation.
Together, these measures demonstrate the government's
commitment to improving housing for all personnel, whether
they live with their families or in single accommodation.
Notes to Editors
- The Single Living Accommodation Review will cover
accommodation for single and unaccompanied Service Personnel
across Defence.
- The review builds on the Defence Housing Strategy published
in November 2025.
- The Defence Housing Strategy committed £9.2 billion to
improve more than 40,000 service family homes over the next
decade.
