Forces families in Portsmouth are set to enjoy new freedoms, from keeping pets to running businesses, as part of a major overhaul of military housing rules.
The Government has announced new measures under Labour’s Consumer Charter, aimed at cutting red tape for families in the Armed Forces. Changes will make it easier to own pets, decorate properties, and run businesses from home.
The move follows the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) commitment of more than £1.5bn extra for forces family housing as part of a wider £7bn investment in military accommodation during this parliament.
Some measures took effect on 9 August. Families can now keep up to two dogs, cats, or smaller pets without seeking permission. Officials say the change recognises the comfort and companionship pets bring, especially when a family member is deployed for months at a time.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said: “I strongly welcome today’s announcement to make it easier for military families to own pets, decorate properties and run businesses from their home.
“As a dog owner, I know the joy that owning a pet can bring, so I am delighted we have made these common-sense changes to support more local families to live the lives they want to.”
Other changes include simplifying the process for running a business from home. Families will also have access to a named housing officer for advice and support.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe every day. But for too long, military families have lived in substandard housing without basic consumer rights.
“These new measures are another step as we deliver on our Consumer Charter to stop the rot in military accommodation and ensure our heroes and their loved ones live in houses they can truly call home.”
It was previously reported in December that the government put over 650 military homes back into public ownership after the government bought over 36,000 from property management company Annington.
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