New Accommodation Offer: New Accompanied Established Long Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Now Live

A new pilot launched today will give Service personnel in registered Long Term Established Relationships (LTR(E)s) greater access to subsidised accommodation abroad. 

This is another positive step in modernising Defence accommodation policy abroad and our commitment to improve the offer to Service personnel.

New Accommodation Offer Update: Draft JSP Now Available

The New Accommodation Offer policy will not come into effect until 11 March 2024, the draft of the new JSP 464 'Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations' is being shared with Service personnel now so that they have access to detailed policy information to help inform any future accommodation decisions they may be making. 

The JSP will be re-issued as 'live' policy on 11 March 2024 to replace the current version of JSP 464.

Parts 1 to 8 of the draft JSP are available on Gov.uk. Parts 9 to 11 will cover Forces Help to Buy, the Combined Accommodation Assessment System for SFA and Four-Tier Grading for SLA – these are not being released now as the policy remains the same as under the current regulations. Part 12 will cover the complaints processes which will be published when the new policy comes into effect.

Link to Draft JSP: Draft tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - March 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Link to New Accommodation Offer SWAY: New Accommodation Offer Update release 19 Jan 2024 (cloud.microsoft)

New Accommodation Offer: Tri-Service Roadshow *Change of Date*, RAF Wyton on 5 Mar

Please note that the New Accommodation Offer Roadshow at RAF Wyton is no longer being held on 7 Feb, and will now take place on 5 Mar.

 
On 5 Mar 2024 the New Accommodation Offer team will run sessions at 10:00 & 14:00 hosted by UK Strategic Command from RAF Wyton, followed by an evening event at 18:00 from the Community Learning Centre, RAF Wittering. For more information on how to attend, either in person or via livestream, please go to this SWAY.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update: Cold Weather Alert

A cold weather alert has been issued for parts of the UK next week, with colder temperatures expected and the potential for snow. 

DIO and our suppliers have provisions in place to ensure we are prepared to provide the right level of support for families.

There are also steps families can take if they are experiencing issues with their boiler or heating during the colder weather. Please check out Pinnacle's boiler and heating guide for more information.

If families are still having problems with their boiler or heating system, please contact Pinnacle National Call Centre on 0800 031 8628​

New Accommodation Offer: Tri-Service Roadshow, RAF Wyton on 7 Feb

On 7 Feb 2024 the New Accommodation Offer team will run sessions at 10:00 & 14:00 hosted by UK Strategic Command from RAF Wyton, followed by an evening event at 18:00 from the Community Learning Centre, RAF Wittering. 

For more information on how to attend, either in person or via livestream, please go to this SWAY.

SSAFA Short Breaks 2024 - Applications are now open

 

Find out more here 

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Compensation Schemes

When things go wrong​

Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

• ​Missed appointments
• Incorrect Tradesperson
• Failed move in
• Total loss of heating/cooking facilities
• Hotel subsistence

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE​

DIO Families First newsletter - issue 11

 Link for the Newsletter 

Civilian Housing: An update on the MOD Referral Scheme Service

 

Last year, the services provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) were transferred to the Defence Transition Service (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS), to deliver. 

This followed a review as part of the MOD’s ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ to bring efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of housing services.

The MOD Referral Scheme provided advice and guidance on accessing social housing and has now become part of the existing services provided by DTS and Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). 

This has been done to simplify and widen access and eligibility across serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

Saving Energy, Money and the Environment

Saving energy is not only good for the environment; it also saves you money. 

DIO Service Delivery (SD) aims to procure properties that have good energy efficiency ratings or improve the energy efficiency of our own properties in the last few years; including installing energy efficient boilers, improving loft insulation and adding insulated exterior cladding.  

ENERGY SUPPLY

DIO SD will pay the utility bills for your SFA. You will be charged the equivalent UK rate for the type of property that you require.

The Fuel and Light and XY schemes are designed to reward you for energy efficiency but ensure that any excessive use is paid back to the MOD.

If your property is supplied by Oil or LPG using local tanks then please ensure that you arrange for supplies to be topped up through your local repair helpdesk.

However, you can still do a lot yourself to save energy.  Follow these simple tips to ensure you aren’t wasting energy - and more importantly money.

Winter Prepardness Announcement SFA

Earlier this week, Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps outlined the steps being taken to ensure DIO and our suppliers are prepared to provide the right level of service for families over the colder months, recognising the challenges we faced last winter. 

Full details of the announcement can be found here.

Families First newsletter – issue: 10

Families First newsletter – issue: 10

Issue 10 of the Families First newsletter was published on 31 October. You can find it on Defence Connect or GOV.uk It includes:

Performance update on accommodation contracts

• Tackling Damp and Mould Programme in SFA – an update
• Winter safety guide
• Key dates to note
• Useful links

Accommodation Provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan Families

Vice Admiral Phil Hally

Chief of Defence People..

"You may already be aware that the MOD is supporting the relocation and resettlement of Afghan nationals who, due to their support to the UK over the past 20 years, now face threats to their lives in their home country. As a result, some of you may observe Afghan families moving into some Service Family Accommodation (SFA) where it is located ‘outside of the wire’. 

2024 Civilian Housing Briefs from Defence Transition Services

 

Register for the briefing here

Visit the help for se4rvice leavers web page from DTS

Updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regs (TSARs) JSP 464

The recently updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, (JSP 464) are available on .Gov at the following Link:

Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) NEW Allowances

The Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) SWAY now includes information on NEW Allowances.

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances. If you are being posted to one of the limited locations use this link to find out more.

Ripple Pond Oct 2023

 The Ripple Pond October Newsletter: Now With A New Look! 

Families First newsletter - issue 10

 Read the newsletter here.

Clearing Leaves ASP Paderborn Director Explains You Responsibilities

For UK families in Sennelager. Waste and garden maintenance rules can seem confusing at first. 

Dr. Dietmar Regener, operations manager at ASP explains what householder responsibilities are now the leaf fall has started. 

MOD Accommodation Team Furniture Research - Register Interest

The MOD Accommodation Team are reviewing what items of furniture are provided to you in SFA and how furniture provision could be improved for you and Defence.

Please email people-accommodation-research@mod.gov.uk by the 31st October 2023 if you would like to take part, or if you would like further information.​