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H o u s i n g


From DE Ops Housing Information - HICs


O


n 1 April 2007, to help DE Ops Housing to improve the service it provides a network of seven Housing


Information Centres (HICs) were launched across Great Britain - in Rosyth, York, Telford, Thetford, High Wycombe, Aldershot and Warminster.


The HICs replaced the service provided through local housing offices and provide the single point of contact for all housing services other than repairs and maintenance. Staff in


the HICs will allocate houses, arrange moves in and out, arrange pre-move out visits and handle any general enquiries about Service housing in England, Scotland and Wales.


The big difference is that instead of having to visit a local housing office, you simply call the HIC network through a single national number.


Chairman’s note. Whilst some HIC’s struggled with the volume of calls when they were first launched, we are advised that all HIC’s are now providing an effective response service. If you have evidence to the contrary, let us know.


USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION You can contact the HIC helpdesk 0800 169 6322 or 01904 418000 or mil:94510 8000 Aldershot


Email: south.allocations@hd.de.mod.uk Thetford


Email: anglia.allocations@hd.de.mod.uk Warminster


Email: southwest.allocations@hd.de.mod.uk High Wycombe


Email: central.allocations@hd.de.mod.uk Rosyth Email: scotlandhic@hd.de.mod.uk York


Winter 2007


Email: northern.allocations@hd.de.mod.uk Telford Email: west.allocations@hd.de.mod.uk


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nevertheless focuses on improvements that bring significant benefit to occupants, such as boiler replacement, new kitchen or new bathroom). Overseas, the upgrading of living accommodation in Germany, Cyprus, Gibraltar and the South Atlantic Islands also continues.


The MOD is currently reviewing the process through which all living accommodation is graded for charge. This long term project, which is unlikely to take effect before 2009, aims to modernise the criteria against which living accommodation is assessed. This should not lead to any reductions in standards or sizes of houses, but rather bring greater freedoms to future design to reflect modern ways of living and confirm expectations that houses should have facilities such as en-suite showers, double glazing and modern fitted kitchens. The grading review also aims to remove the inconsistencies that have evolved in the current system over time, bringing greater transparency of charges and equity of treatment. The requirements of planning regulations may require a reduction in the overall footprint of newly built houses in the future, but this can be accommodated by


reducing the size of gardens and through smarter design.


CONCLUSION The MOD recognises that the number of change programmes potentially affecting family accommodation will be a concern to Service personnel and their families. In pursuing change, the MOD will therefore be guided by the following:


A recognition that living accommodation has a direct link to the morale of the Service person and their family and therefore has a direct impact on both retention and operational effectiveness.


An acknowledgement of the value of accompanied service and the consequent need to maintain entitlement to SFA, combined with greater choice to exercise home ownership if individuals prefer.


The need to continue to improve the quality of its housing stock and to ensure that, where new supply solutions are proposed, these must be tested against personnel criteria that will protect the interests of occupants and ensure a good living experience.


The value of using the MOD’s corporate leverage to develop home ownership schemes with both the public and private sectors.


The need to consult widely over change, across the whole Service community, including the Families Federations.


Useful sources of information www.defence-estates.mod.uk


Housing Information Centres (HICs) 0800 169 6322


Modern Housing Solutions (MHS) 0800 707 6000 www.modernhousingsolutions.com


Maintenance of Service Families Accommodation (SFA) in Scotland 0800 328 6337


The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) gives advice on the range of housing options in particular for those about to return to civilian life or ex-service personnel who are still in Service Families’ Accommodation. 


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