New Measures Announced for Military Housing in South East Cornwall

Armed Forces families in 565 military houses across Cornwall are set to enjoy greater freedoms to make their homes their own, including keeping pets, decorating and running businesses from home. The changes include 102 of the 103 military homes in South East Cornwall.

The measures form part of Labour’s new Consumer Charter, aimed at improving forces housing and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change. They follow the Strategic Defence Review commitment of more than £1.5 billion extra for forces family housing, part of a wider £7 billion investment in military accommodation this Parliament.

New freedoms for military families

The latest improvements – some already in effect from 9th August — give families more control over how they live. They include:

• Pet ownership: Families can now keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without needing permission, replacing the lengthy approval process.

• Home personalisation: Greater freedom to decorate and make changes that help a property feel like home.

• Running businesses from home: Streamlined processes across the UK, with those already doing so gaining access to a named housing officer for advice and support.

The Government says these changes mark a key milestone in addressing 14 years of neglect of military accommodation under the previous government.

Voices from Government

Anna Gelderd, Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, said:

“Our armed forces families in South East Cornwall show extraordinary bravery and make huge sacrifices to keep us safe. They deserve homes that reflect the pride we have in their service, where they can feel comfortable, enjoy family life, and truly make their own.

These changes will help ensure that military housing feels like a true home, not just a temporary stop. After years of neglect, Labour is delivering the investment and respect our service communities deserve.”

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.”

Investment and future plans

The measures are underpinned by a record £7 billion investment in military accommodation, which includes an additional £1.5 billion through the Strategic Defence Review to tackle urgent repairs and support the long-term renewal of military family homes.

This follows the Government’s deal to bring 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to deliver homes fit for heroes.