Petition: Review the MOD's New Accommodation Offer for armed forces personnel

Petition: Review the MOD's New Accommodation Offer for armed forces personnel

Given that the 'New Accommodation Offer' is about much more than what has been hitting the headlines, the petition seems sensibly worded even if one doesn't support it:

Review the proposed New Accommodation Offer which is due for implementation in March 2024. Undertake further engagement with affected personnel to shape the policy before its execution.

At present, the New Accommodation Offer has been poorly received by a number of service personnel who will be affected. If the policy is implemented as it currently stands, we believe that armed forces retention rates are likely to fall to even lower levels than those at present. This could have an irreversible effect on the capability of the armed forces over both the immediate and intermediate term.

I see that The Telegraph (24 Feb) quotes a 'leaked letter' from CGS in which he said

Our strategic resilience is at risk, and we might inadvertently reduce ourselves to a smaller, static and domestically-focused land force.

which has understandably got most of the attention, and he also said there was:

much to celebrate in the NAO [New Accommodation Offer], but I am concerned about some of the likely consequences.

According to The Telegraph, Gen Sir Patrick described the policy as “a net positive for our people” but conceded that “there is an uncomfortable opportunity cost and for the most part, this will be felt by the Officer Corps”.

His letter continued:

This does present risk to the social fabric of the Army, and it diminishes the strength of the offer we provide to young officers, in particular. I and ECAB [executive committee of the Army board] feel it is as vital to look after our leadership as our soldiers, but we are not being heard.”

Telegraph link (paywall):

• Army at risk of becoming ‘static land force’, chief tells generals

New Telegraph story (paywall - also covered on BAFF front page):

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/26/army-wives-force-ministry-of-defence-about-turn-housing/