PLANS to move military housing back into public ownership have been welcomed by a local MP.
The Government has unveiled the proposals to reverse a sale of the properties back in 1996.
It comes after complaints have been raised across the country about the state of homes for military families, with issues raised such as damp, mould and leaks due to a lack of investment in maintenance.
Labour MP Sarah Edwards said 136 homes in her Tamworth constituency – which includes areas such as Whittington, Fazeley, Shenstone and Stonnall – would transfer into public ownership under the new proposals.
“It shames our nation that in the lead up to Christmas too many military families are living in sub-standard military housing.
“For the families of those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our country safe, that is unacceptable. But change is coming.
“This announcement is the next step in fixing the problems.”
Labour say the move will “unlock” a programme of rebuilding and renovation for military properties.
John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, said:
“This deal shows our government is determined to deliver homes fit for our heroes.
“These important savings to the defence budget will help fix the deep-set problems we inherited.
“Our Government has taken decisive action to bring military housing back into public hands and unlocking investment for the future.
“There is still a lot of work to do to deliver the homes our military families deserve – and
these problems will not be fixed overnight – but this is a decisive break with the failed
approach of the past and a major step forward on that journey.”