Hundreds of local military families set to feel benefit of Government reforms to forces accommodation

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

FRIDAY 15^th AUGUST 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local MP Alistair Strathern has welcomed news that nearly 500 forces families living in military housing locally at Chicksands and Henlow bases are set to enjoy greater freedoms to make their house feel more like home.

Mr Strathern has long campaigned for action on the poor state of armed forces accommodation, holding a Westminster Debate to spotlight stories shared with him by local service personnel.

Changes this week announced by the Government include a new Consumer Charter THAT will cut red tape and make it easier for families to own pets, decorate their properties, and run businesses from their homes.

The Consumer Charter is part of the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy, which will set out plans for a generational renewal of forces housing, helping renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.

Until now, military families faced a lengthy approval process to own pets. From this week, they can keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without needing permission, recognising the vital role pets play in family life, especially for families separated by deployments.

Another measure coming into effect this week will make it simpler for service family members to run a business from their home, with a standardised process across the UK and named housing officers offering advice and support.

These improvements are underpinned by an investment of more than £7 billion this Parliament in military accommodation, including an extra £1.5 billion to support urgent repairs and long-term renewal of family homes.

Last year the Government agreed a landmark deal to bring back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, including nearly 500 in Strathern’s constituency.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Our Armed Forces go the extra mile in their service, and it’s only right they and their families have a proper home to live in with the freedoms and comforts many of us take for granted.

“Since being elected I’ve been campaigning for greater investment and action to ensure our local service personnel can live in homes fit for heroes, and this week’s announcement is another positive step forward.

“I’m especially pleased that local forces families will now find it easier to own pets, decorate their homes, and run a small business from home.

“These may sound like simple things, but they make a huge difference to quality of life and mental wellbeing.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe every day. But for too long, military families have lived in substandard housing without basic consumer rights.

“These new measures are another step as we deliver on our Consumer Charter to stop the rot in military accommodation and ensure our heroes and their loved ones live in houses they can truly call home.

“By introducing greater freedoms, including pet ownership, we are ensuring forces families up and down the UK can live and work in homes fit for modern life.”

Notes for Editors

You can see more information about the Consumer Charter and wider forces reforms, here.