Damp and mouldy housing could see personnel leave military

Six soldiers wearing camouflage face away from the camera, kneeling in pile of grey stones while on exercise — MPs warn that soldiers may leave the military if housing standards don't improve [Getty Images]

Damp and mouldy accommodation could see more personnel deciding to leave the military unless improvements are made, MPs are warning.

Two-thirds of homes for service families need "extensive refurbishment or rebuilding" to meet modern standards, the Commons defence committee has concluded.

The cross-party group says it is "not confident" the money will be made available to tackle the issue.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson told the BBC the report "lays bare the dire state of service accommodation this government inherited and is determined to fix."

Two years ago, the BBC reported on military families living in damp and mouldy conditions. At the time, the MoD said it was working with its contractors to improve the service.