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<p>As of 27 January 2020 the Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently has 8951 Service
Family Accommodation (SFA) properties vacant in England (20%), 850 properties in Scotland
(27%) and 274 properties in Wales (25%). These figures represent a snapshot in time
as the occupancy rate varies on a daily basis as Service families move in and out.
The Department is focused on reducing the number of empty properties in the UK from
the current level of 20% overall to a 10% management margin by Autumn 2021. This is
being achieved by handing back vacant properties in England and Wales to Annington
Homes; widening eligibility to cohabiting couples and Service leavers; and accelerating
the letting of temporarily empty properties to screened members of the public at prevailing
market rates.</p><p>SFA are modernised as required to maintain them at a Decent Homes
Standard (DHS). 97% of all SFA meet DHS as a minimum, and are, therefore, available
for allocation to Service families. In the last financial year this resulted in approximately
3,800 homes receiving upgrades, including new kitchens and bathrooms.</p>
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