Oral Answers to Questions

Hugh Gaffney Excerpts

Monday 15th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mark Lancaster]

We seem to be switching seamlessly from the Navy to the Army. [Interruption.] If it is in order, that is fine, but there is continuing work on recruitment in the Army. I am pleased to say that compared with this period last year, applications are up about 20%. There have been some minor glitches in the new computer system, but they are being ironed out and I am confident that we will see recruitment into the Army increasing.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

8. What recent steps his Department has taken to develop the future accommodation model.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

10. What recent steps his Department has taken to develop the future accommodation model.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Tobias Ellwood)]

The MOD is committed to giving personnel flexibility and choice in where, how and with whom they live. The future accommodation model programme is advancing a new way to offer choice to our armed forces, whether they wish to live on the garrison or rent or buy a house.

[Hugh Gaffney]

The families federations have made clear their concerns about the family accommodation model and a distinct lack of communication from the Department with forces families. When will this Government introduce some concrete proposals so that forces families have some clarity about their future?

[Mr Ellwood]

I agree that it is very important that we work closely with the families federations to make sure that we look after their interests, and we have explained the proposals to them. I meet them regularly and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has also met them recently to explain the roll-out of this pilot scheme, which will begin at the end of this year.