Thousands of service families will have to wait years before their accommodation is brought up to standard, an MP has warned.
Thomas Docherty (Lab, Dunfermline and West Fife) said under Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans it will take 20 years to bring all family accommodation up to standard.
Introducing a bill under the ten minute rule motion on Tuesday, Docherty told the Commons that of the 50,000 service personnel family homes, two thirds did not meet the MoD's own definition of quality.
And while 75,000 single bed spaces were being modernised, there would still be a shortfall of 35,000, he claimed.
He added: "It is regrettable that this government have no plans as yet for the upgrading of 25,000 bed spaces outside the current schedule."
Presenting his Armed Forces Charter Bill to the Commons, Docherty called for welfare provision for members of the armed forces to be put on a statutory basis.
The Dunfermline and West Fife MP said: "Whilst we should acknowledge the steps taken by both this and previous governments, the time has come to place on a statutory footing certain aspects of the welfare provision that should be offered by central and local governments, and take it out of party politics."
"For family homes in the UK the situation is even worse. According to the Royal British Legion, of the 50,000 service family homes, two thirds do not meet the MoD's own definition of high quality.
"Under current plans it will take 20 years to bring all family accommodation up to the higher standard."
He concluded: "We bring forward this Bill today in recognition of the continuing sacrifices made by our brave men and women in the armed forces, and by their families, and in recognition of the fact that our nation must honour its debt of gratitude in a fitting and practical way."
The Bill gained an unopposed first reading but without government support stands little chance of becoming law due to a lack of parliamentary time.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.