Damp and mouldy housing could see personnel leave military

The report also highlights problems with single-living accommodation.

There are "issues such as a lack of hot water for months in winter, heating failure, flooding, damp, rat infestations and inadequate facilities for washing and cooking", the report said.

"Ageing accommodation blocks often cannot meet modern living requirements and standards", it added, and "this is having an adverse effect on recruitment and retention".

The report said 40% of those living in single-living accommodation said their experience living there had "increased their intention to leave the armed forces" - up from 34% in 2022.

In written evidence to the committee, one person said there were "broken ceiling panels, outdated bathrooms and washing facilities, furniture and fittings that are over 40 years old".

It "does not represent a modern fighting force", they said.

But the committee said it was "not confident" there would be enough money available to fix the issues it highlights.

"The MoD has acknowledged that current levels of funding are insufficient to bring all service accommodation up to decent, modern standards, and that 'it is investment that ultimately will lead to the change'."

However "in the current economic climate, and with so many competing pressures on public funds, we are not confident that the sustained investment required will be forthcoming in future Defence budgets."

The report mainly reflects the situation from May - under the previous Conservative government - with little to no evidence taken under the current Labour government.

In response, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We are delivering our Plan for Change by renewing the nation's contract with those who serve, and we are working hard to improve the quality of housing for our personnel and their families – including developing new standards for service accommodation," they said.

"We are committed to listening to our people and are establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner to act as a strong, independent champion for personnel and their families to improve service life."

Labour chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi, said "it is simply not acceptable to expect those who fight for their country to live in housing with serious damp and mould – conditions that pose a danger to their and their families' health."

"It is clear that many of these problems cannot be solved without major investment", he said.

"However difficult public finances might be, the Ministry of Defence and Treasury need to find a way to work together to make sure that all Service housing on offer genuinely meets a decent standard."