The Ministry of Defence announced plans on 18 September 2026 to give military families a greater say over their housing, including a Red Tape Challenge inviting families to identify outdated rules. National and regional committees were planned to feed residents' experiences into accommodation decisions, alongside a pilot giving families a role in signing off repairs. The measures build on earlier changes such as ending restrictions on keeping pets and allowing more freedom to decorate.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said families should not feel decisions about their homes are made without them. Defence Families Champion Tricia Jakeman said a stronger family voice in decisions affecting them is essential to delivering the housing and services they deserve.

The package sits within a £9.2 billion Defence Housing Strategy, launched in November, which set out plans to reform military housing over the next decade. The Defence Housing Service was planned to be formally established in April 2027. The department also planned a new Code of Conduct for a more consistent service from everyone representing Defence housing, including contractors across the supply chain.