In his capacity as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, Stephen Morgan MP has grilled the most senior members of the MoD over the slow progress in improving military housing and the lack of transparency around the major developments currently underway.
A significant part of today’s discussion was surrounding a property deal between the MoD and Annington Property Limited.
The deal which took place over two decades ago, has led to huge private sector gains at the expense of the taxpayer and it is estimated that The MOD is between £2.2 billion and £4.2 billion worse off than if it had retained ownership, largely because it has missed out on house price rises.
Mr Morgan’s lines of inquiry were orientated around both modernising and improving military accommodation and called to account the MoD’s history of inaction.
Following the committee meeting, Mr Morgan said:
“Uncertainty for our brave service people is being perpetuated by delays to the departments pilot trials for new accommodation which were meant to get underway last year and a lack of communication over contractors maintenance obligations to military personnel and their families.
The overall satisfaction levels amongst service people and their families is low. The importance of this cannot be underestimated, not only are brave military personnel being let down, we are losing our best and brightest who have become disheartened by the MoD’s lack of action over living conditions.
I have even heard reports of a fighter pilot leaving his role due to inaction over living conditions.”
The overall sentiments of the Public Accounts Committee was that whilst there have been some improvements in terms of providing military personnel with the housing and living conditions they deserve, pressure must be maintained on the MoD to prioritise the wellbeing of the armed forces community.
Mr Morgan’s action in the PAC is part of a more widespread campaign seeking to holistically improve the well being of veterans and ex-service people.
He recently hosted a Westminster Hall debate on Veterans Suicide, wrote to the Defence Secretary asking for changes to be made to veterans mental health services and he regularly meets with organisations such as All Call Signs in his constituency.
Mr Morgan has said:
“Service personnel go above and beyond for our sake. There are few jobs that demand so much, I think the least we can do is to ensure that the men and women who risk everything for us have suitable housing and tailored mental health services available to them.”
