IMMEDIATE - e-1132 System Failure

We have received notification from DIO Ops that the system platform used for e-1132 online applications has been affected by an IT outage in the Hemel Hempstead area. This means that, at the moment, customers and users do not have access to these systems. A further note will follow once more information becomes available...More information »

"The MoD is sending the wrong signals to Forces Families on Accommodation"

'The MoD is sending the wrong signals to Forces families about the value it places on providing good accommodation.' These are the words of the Defence Committee in its report, published today (26 Jun 12), on Forces Accommodation. Evidence given to the Committee showed that Armed Forces personnel and their families valued accommodation very highly and saw it as part of their terms and conditions of employment...More information »

HASC - New Map and Contact Details for Customers

A new Housing Allocations Service Centre (HASC) area map has been issued by DIO. The map also provides contact details. Whilst Service personnel are encouraged to use the e-1132 when applying for a quarter there may be occasion where customers need to send information to the HASC. DIO have therefore listed postal address, fax numbers and email addresses...More information »

DIO Trouble...

Families may be aware DIO are going through some significant changes at the moment. Unanticipated problems and delays with the recruitment process, which are outside the control of DIO, means the HASC teams are not yet at their required manning levels and DIO have had to make the decision to continue with their limited hours of operation. The Federation team is closely monitoring the situation and all evidence...More information »

Taking longer to get through to the Housing Allocations Service?

As DIO move from 7 Housing Information Offices around the country to one Housing Allocations Service Centre it is causing issues. DIO are aware that some customers are finding it takes longer to get through to a customer adviser. They apologise for any inconvenience and say they are urgently addressing the situation to re-establish their customer service levels...More information »

Our Stories in RAF News - No Urgency from the Local Authority

Periodically in RAF News the Federation uses the evidence someone has provided to illustrate a topic of concern. The cases illustrate where policy is not quite fair or is outdated, or where there is disadvantage purely because that someone is a member of an RAF family. This time we feature a family moving out of the RAF and keen to be allocated Local Authority Housing. Although accepted onto the waiting list after providing the 'Certificate of Cessation to Occupy SFA' issued by DIO, the family are very worried that their impending homelessness doesn't seem to be being considered with any urgency by the Local Authority and think they may have to resort to sleeping in their car until they are allocated a house...More information »

Our Stories in RAF News - Damp and Mould

Periodically in RAF News the Federation uses the evidence someone has provided to illustrate a topic of concern. The cases illustrate where policy is not quite fair or is outdated, or where there is disadvantage purely because that someone is a member of an RAF family. Here we feature two further stories: Sibling Schooling. "Dear RAF FF, We have just been posted, only to find that the local primary schools are full and our two children have been allocated places in schools fifteen miles apart. The Local Authority won’t budge and we are at our wit’s end. Mould: "Dear RAF FF. We are having real problems with damp and mould and are being bounced between DIO and MHS. I was advised by the doctor that a pre-existing condition was being aggravated by the spores. I am also pregnant and concerned for the health of our unborn child. Why will no-one acknowledge that these houses have a major problem and actually do something about it...More information »

Applying for Local Authority Housing?

Are you trying to apply for Local Authority housing for when you leave the RAF? Have you had a 'Cessation of Entitlement to SFA' certificate rejected? Some Local Authorities are not accepting these certificates in support of an application for housing and say families must supply an eviction notice or be homeless. This is not as it should be and we need to hear from you please if you have or are experiencing this problem...More information »

Housing Information Centre (HIC) Freephone system

To coincide with York HIC moving office w/c 17 October, the Housing Information Centre Telephone System is being relocated to the DIO HQ at Sutton Coldfield on a permanent basis....More information »

Future Accommodation -Your views go to MoD

Housing and accommodation issues dominate the Federation database. On the policy front, families are becoming more frustrated with current regulations and frequently implore the Federation to challenge the existing rules. Taking action - The Federation produces a number of evidence reports based on the concerns raised and this report to the Future Accommodation Project (FAP) team is a welcome opportunity to ensure the ‘light blue’ perspective on accommodation is represented at the highest levels. There may be differences in opinion between the Services but that is for the FAP team to take into account when coming up with an accommodation Strategy to suit the Armed Services of the future. As well as the report, read the comments made by those who completed the RAF FF Future Accommodation survey. They demonstrate the strength of feeling evoked by this subject...More information »

Before the Cold Weather Sets In...

Whether you are in SFA or your own home now is a good time to check your heating! For those in SFA DIO suggest, "Before the colder weather sets in it is a good idea to check your heating and report any problems to the relevant Helpdesk immediately. That way you’ll be giving the maintenance contractors plenty of time to resolve the problem before you need your heating...See full details

Redundancy and your SFA

Many who have been made redundant and are currently occupying SFA will have questions. DIO have put together questions and answers which may be of assistance. For example: Can I remain in my SFA, and for how long? What happens if I get a new assignment before redundancy? What assistance can Service personnel in SFA get from Local Authorities? and Where can I find out more......More information »

Do You have the Correct Insurance for your SFA?

Personnel who occupy Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) under a Service Licence to Occupy agreement (known as a Licence to Occupy) are not classed as a tenant and, therefore, STANDARD HOME INSURANCE POLICIES DO NOT COVER the potential liability. With effect from 1 Aug 11 new TSAR guidelines are in place...More information »

LAST CHANCE TO HAVE A SAY...Service Accommodation - Should there be Any?

Service housing and accommodation is under scrutiny, not only the current housing stock but more particularly, what the housing provision should be in the future for both family and single living accommodation. The Future Accommodation Project Team is looking at this as one of the work strands of the New Employment Model study ongoing at MoD. The FAP Team is working to tight deadlines and the RAF FF staff are due to provide them with an interim report in September. RAF FF Chairman, Dawn McCafferty, said, "Army and RN families have responded in huge numbers to their respective surveys and clearly wish to influence the debate. Hopefully, RAF families feel the same way and wish to contribute their views and ensure that the ‘light blue’ voice is heard loud and clear during these discussions. Please help us TODAY by completing our survey on Future Housing. Click on the blue computer icon above. Your views are very important. With thanks...See full details

Service Accommodation - Should There Be Any?

Service housing and accommodation is under scrutiny, not only the current housing stock but more particularly, what the housing provision should be in the future for both family and single living accommodation. The Future Accommodation Project Team is looking at this as one of the work strands of the New Employment Model study ongoing at MoD. The FAP Team is working to tight deadlines and the RAF FF staff are due to provide them with an interim report in September. RAF FF Chairman, Dawn McCafferty, said, "Army and RN families have responded in huge numbers to their respective surveys and clearly wish to influence the debate. Hopefully, RAF families feel the same way and wish to contribute their views and ensure that the ‘light blue’ voice is heard loud and clear during these discussions. Please help us to do this by completing our survey on Future Housing by Clicking on the Blue House icon above. Your views are very important...More information »

Future Housing Debate - Contribute NOW

By completing the RAF Families Federation questionnaire on Further Housing provision you will be influencing the debate. The Future Accommodation Project Team have been tasked with looking into the future provision of Service accommodation as one of the work strands of the New Employment Model (NEM) study ongoing at MoD. The three Families Federations are acknowledged as key players by the FAP team. They recognise the significance of the evidence they provide on behalf of all of our Service families. The three Federations are asking similar question but answers are likely to be Service specific and we need a good response from RAF personnel and their families. This is not just about SFA but Single Living Accommodation too so please ring for a password go to our online survey and vote…See full details

MoD Doubles Council Tax Relief

The MoD is doubling the Council Tax Relief for personnel on eligible operations overseas from 25 to 50%, with effect from 1 Jul 11. Based on the average Council Tax in England, this will amount on average to approx £296 for a six month tour. Andrew Robathan MP, said: "The core principle is that members of the Armed Forces Community do not suffer disadvantage... we are underlining that principle...More information »

Bulldozing of Quarters at Daws Hill

The Sun has reported that 65 new RAF homes at Daws Hill are to be bulldozed to make way for a housing estate. In response the MoD have said: 'There is no long-term defence need for this land or the houses. In these difficult financial times we have to make difficult decisions. We regret that the families concerned will be required to move. The care and support of Service families is paramount and they will be given support...More information »

'We Do Not Endorse Energy Suppliers'

Defence Estates have been alerted to doorstep selling by energy provides who say their service is endorsed by MHS and because of this they are able to offer the householder substantial discounts. DE state categorically that no such arrangement exists and advises occupants of SFA to tread carefully. Ken McMinn of DE says "DE and MHS do not endorse any particular energy company...More information »

Quarters for Disposal

It has been necessary to dispose of SFA within the RAF estate. Defence Estates have published the list of SFA disposals for the financial year 2010/11. They include properties at Brize, Uxbridge, St Eval, Stanbridge, Watton and Brampton. Where occupants are affected an individual letter detailing the disposal and necessary relocation plan will be sent...More information »