Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tobias Ellwood and Alex Sobel

Monday 11th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Alex Sobel (Leeds North West) (Lab/Co-op)]

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

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

rose—

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Ellwood]

On reflection, Mr Speaker, I think I did receive some message that you were heading there.

We can be extremely proud of our armed forces, but if we are to continue to recruit the brightest and best, we must continue to invest in our equipment and training, but also in the welfare of our people. I am pleased that we are moving forward with the future accommodation model, which will give our armed forces personnel three choices: to remain on the garrison in the unit, inside the wire; to step outside and rent accommodation; or to get on the housing ladder by purchasing property.

[Alex Sobel]

The Royal United Services Institute criticised the future accommodation model, saying that it was woefully inadequate and behind schedule. Will the super-garrison at Catterick be finished on time, to ensure that armed forces personnel can live on garrison? Does the Minister think that the sale to Annington Homes in 1996 was a mistake?

[Mr Ellwood]

With due respect, I think that the hon. Gentleman is mixing up a number of issues. The future accommodation model has yet to start, but the pilot scheme is on track to start in December. We have been working closely with the families federations, which have themselves recommended the locations for the pilot schemes. I very much look forward to this work taking place in December.