Military families across Dorset will soon see major improvements to their housing after Parliament approved new rules bringing Ministry of Defence homes under the Decent Homes Standard for the first time.
The decision comes after years of campaigning by the Liberal Democrats, who pushed for changes to the Renters’ Rights Bill to ensure all service accommodation is assessed annually and any substandard properties are reported and repaired.
The government had previously resisted the proposal but has now accepted the amendment, meaning a new legal duty will ensure issues like damp, mould, flooding and faulty heating systems are properly addressed.
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP, Vikki Slade, who has family links to the armed forces, said the change was long overdue. She said many service families had been living in unacceptable conditions for years despite repeated assurances from ministers that homes were already up to standard.
“It’s a scandal that our military heroes have been forced to live in these conditions,” she said. “Providing good-quality, safe housing is the bare minimum of government. This victory will make a real difference to service families, including those here in Dorset.”
The new rules are set to take effect following the passage of the Renters’ Rights Bill later this year.
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