AFF has told MPs that families in military housing need the ‘human touch’ when dealing with their housing issues.
At last week’s evidence session to a Select Committee on the Defence Housing Service, part of the Armed Forces Bill, our Housing Specialist Cat Calder said: “When it comes to SFA, a house is a home. We need more communication and empathy for our families.”
With colleagues from the Naval Families Federation and the RAF Families Federation, she presented the views of more than 6,000 people from Service families.
They were gathered in a Future of Defence Housing questionnaire run by the three Federations in 2025.
Cat highlighted continuing concerns from families about the declining standard of SFA, poor repairs and inconsistent communication. Above all, she stressed the importance of recognising military housing not simply as accommodation, but as a home.
The Federations welcomed the introduction of named housing officers for each family. They said it was recognised the human touch was needed, rather than families speaking to a call centre. And single personnel in the Armed Forces also needed homes, not just a place to stay.
Communication is key
The needs of the modern family were also discussed. Those in long-term relationships, or who had children staying for more than 80 nights a year, reported feeling like they were “in limbo” as a result of no significant communication. following the pause of the Modernised Accommodation Offer two years ago
But the Federations were hopeful the new Defence Housing Service would deliver long-term improvements for serving personnel and their families by renovating and building sufficient homes of the right size and standard in the right places, through better investment, stronger management, and, crucially, greater accountability for the service being delivered.
Although, given the scale and timeframe of the programme, it may be some time before some families see tangible changes to the way their homes look and are managed.
In their closing remarks, the Federations told the panel communication would be key. They welcomed the initiative to ensure the voice of families was always considered in any decision-making process.
It was important families in military housing were informed about changes as they happened and were given the clear, timely information they deserved.
Further information
For more on the evidence we provide to external bodies, such as Government departments, the NHS, local authorities and the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, see our Impact page.
POSTED 12 MARCH 2026