Exclusive: Housing pilot for unmarried couples extended in Cyprus to 2027
A scheme offering couples in long-term relationships the same access to Armed Forces housing as their married colleagues has been extended.
The Accompanied Established Long Term Relationship Overseas Pilot, which has been trialled in the Sovereign Base Areas for the past 18 months, will now run until March 2027.
Unmarried couples can apply for Service Family Housing through the scheme, which is usually reserved for married couples and those in civil partnerships.
Speaking exclusively to BFBS Forces News, Veterans and People Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said: "Marriage is not for everybody. We know that people have all different types of relationships now."
Mrs Sandher-Jones, who served in the Intelligence Corps, met families and personnel while visiting British Forces Cyprus in her first overseas visit since her ministerial promotion in September.
"I think this is a fantastic initiative," she added.
More than 100 personnel have used the pilot scheme, which launched in February 2024. It had originally been due to end in March this year.
Applicants need to have been together for at least a year and prove a financial link, such as a joint bank account or bill.
"I think it's really important that when people are in a long-term relationship that they are able to have the same support as a married couple," she explained.
"I really hope this is something we can carry on supporting."
The Ministry of Defence said: "The trial has enabled 123 families to accompany their partners to Cyprus over the last 18 months, families who previously would not have had the chance to share the assignment."
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