Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington has reacted to the news that Armed Forces in Military Housing will now be able to keep pets and personalise their homes.
Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington has reacted to the news that Armed Forces in Military Housing will now be able to keep pets and personalise their homes.
The scheme is part of Labour's commitment to improve forces housing, and will affect more than 14,700 members of the Armed Forces in the South East.
The process to own a pet while a member of the forces has until now been a lengthy one, but that will no longer be the case.
“I know from personal experience how much joy a pet can add to your life, so it’s fantastic news that from this week, military families can keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without needing permission," she said, "The comfort and companionship that pets provide is especially important for military families, whose partner or parent may be away for many months at a time on deployment.”
Speaking about the freedom to make cosmetic changes to accommodation, Emily added: “Our armed forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe, but for too long they have lived in substandard homes.
"We’re introducing greater freedoms, including decorating, so our forces and their loved ones can live in houses that feel more like home.”
Another measure, which comes into effect this week, will streamline processes for service family members running a business from their home, ensuring a UK wide standardised approach. Those already running a business will also benefit from a named housing officer, who can offer advice and support on processes.
