The Ministry of Defence has announced the commencement of a comprehensive independent review into Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and the overseas estate, aimed at transforming housing standards for approximately 80,000 single and unaccompanied service personnel.
Launched at RAF Brize Norton by the Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones, the review addresses longstanding issues of underinvestment in the military estate, which have historically impacted personnel retention and operational morale. This initiative aligns with the broader Defence Housing Strategy, which allocates £9.2 billion toward the improvement of more than 40,000 service family homes and associated infrastructure.
For businesses and contractors within the defence supply chain, this review signals a substantial long-term pipeline of work in facilities management, construction, and estate maintenance. Over the past three years, the Ministry of Defence has already invested £244 million in SLA improvement works, completing more than 614,000 maintenance tasks. This includes 38,000 specific repairs to heating and hot water systems, with a 95% resolution rate within target timescales. The upcoming review, chaired by Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, will identify further critical investment priorities, providing a data-driven roadmap for future procurement and infrastructure projects.
The review is structured into two distinct phases to ensure thorough assessment and actionable outcomes. The initial phase, focusing on UK-based accommodation, is scheduled to report its findings by Summer 2026. This will be followed by a second phase addressing overseas sites, with a final report expected by the end of 2026. These findings will directly inform the implementation of the Armed Forces Bill, which includes legislation for the establishment of a dedicated Defence Housing Service. This new entity is designed to centralise and professionalise the management of the defence estate, potentially offering a more streamlined engagement model for prime contractors and specialist sub-contractors involved in housing renewal and maintenance.
The government’s commitment to a “generational renewal” of military accommodation presents significant opportunities for companies specialising in modern construction methods, energy-efficient retrofitting, and digital estate management. By integrating the lived experiences of service personnel across all ranks into the final recommendations, the Ministry of Defence aims to establish a housing standard that reflects modern service requirements. As the Ministry of Defence delivers on its Strategic Defence Review commitments, the overhaul of the military estate remains a central pillar of policy, ensuring the supply chain is leveraged to deliver high-quality, sustainable living environments for the UK Armed Forces.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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