More than 40% of personnel in Scotland living in lowest grade of service accommodation, new figures reveal
More than 40% of Armed Forces personnel in Scotland are living in the lowest grade of service accommodation, new figures have found.
Labour has uncovered Ministry of Defence data showing 1,380 living in 'Grade 4' single living accommodation – the lowest rating given by the MOD.
The party is demanding 'urgent action' to deliver better homes for personnel based in Scotland.
The MOD awards grades to its single living accommodation based on 'deficiency points' allocated across 14 categories.
Points are apportioned for the condition of bedroom decoration, fixtures and fittings, adequacy of heating systems and the proximity of toilet and washing facilities, among other factors.
The figures show 43% of military service personnel in Scotland are living in the lowest grade.
Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: "The Conservatives are failing in their duty to our Armed Forces, who are forced to live in discomfort as properties fall into disrepair.
"The standard of accommodation has been consistently low and getting worse under this Government, yet nothing's changed.
"These conditions wouldn't be acceptable in civilian life, and they certainly aren't acceptable for actively serving personnel.
"Once again, this failing Tory government is falling short on even the basics.
"It's clear we need change and the choice at the next election could not be clearer.
"We need urgent action to deliver homes fit for those serving our country."
Scottish Labour Armed Forces Champion Paul Sweeney said: "It is shameful that our Armed Forces personnel at bases across Scotland are stuck in such poor conditions.
"They deserve homes fit for heroes, but these shocking figures show Tory ministers have failed miserably to deliver the standard of accommodation we should expect.
"These are the consequences of 12 long years of cuts and disinvestment in the Armed Forces under the Tories, and it will only exacerbate the chronic recruitment and retention problem there are with Armed Forces personnel in Scotland.
"This Tory Government is letting down service personnel in Scotland and across the UK, but Labour stands foursquare behind our Armed Forces.
"As Scottish Labour's Armed Forces Champion, I will continue to fight to make sure personnel in Scotland get the standard of accommodation they deserve."
The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude survey revealed that 41% of tri-service personnel live in Single Living Accommodation during the working week.
The same survey shows 40% of tri-service personnel were dissatisfied with the overall standard of their accommodation.
A majority of 52% said they were dissatisfied with the responses to maintenance requests and repairs.
An MOD spokesperson said: "Our Armed Forces in Scotland and the rest of the UK deserve good-quality, safe homes, which is why we have introduced a minimum standard through the Defence Accommodation Strategy.
"We will also spend more than £1.6bn over the next decade to improve Single Living Accommodation and build new living quarters."
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