Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement of 20 June 2023, HCWS867, on Military Accommodation: Safety Inspections, how many and what proportion of the 795 homes occupied by service families are without valid gas certificates because contractors have missed appointments.

The safety of our personnel and their families is our highest priority, and it is unacceptable for any family to be living in a home without the necessary checks.

As of 20 June 2023, 795 occupied Service Family Accommodation were without valid gas certificates. Of those 795 SFA, 115 appointments were not attended (missed) by contractors as originally planned.

Appointments have been rebooked with Service families to complete the inspections before the end of June. All 115 families have now received compensation for the missed appointments.

The Department recognises the frustration this will have caused families and have impressed on their suppliers the need for clear communication and strong control over the activities of their sub-contractors to avoid such instances wherever possible.