ARMY WELFARE INFORMATION SERVICE
DISCLAIMER (Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of AWIS Information Sheets, they are intended as a guide only and must be read in conjunction with current legislation/regulations)
Service Families Accommodation
Understanding and Expectations
General
This Information Sheet is offered to help you understand the rules (and the occasional difficulties) which apply when providing Service Families Accommodation (SFA) for you; and why sometimes the Army cannot do just what you may wish.
SFA (system of allocation)
Overseas and NI.
Allocation of SFA overseas and in NI is made in accordance with the Army "Points System" and full details are contained in Queen's Regulations Para 5.660 and AGAI Vol 3 Chapter 84. (See also AWIS Information Sheet: Service Families Accommodation).
The priority of allocation to individuals applying for a SFA is decided by the total number of points accumulated depending on rank, length of service, number of children and the amount of separation the family has previously experienced.
All applications are placed on a waiting list, in the order of their number of points, in the first instance.
Applications then progress to a "Fixed List". Once a name is on the Fixed List, an applicant cannot be overtaken by a later applicant with more points.
Fixed Lists will vary in length according to the turnover rate of SFA in each garrison.
Allocations of SFA are then made in the order of the Fixed List by Housing and Welfare Commandants, in conjunction with your unit representative.
England, Scotland & Wales
Entry on the Waiting List is by date order of requirement of the SFA and are allocated in accordance with Tri-Service Housing Regulations. If SFA is not available at the new duty station within 28 days, you may be granted Excess Rent Allowance (ERA).
Why waiting lists?
In many areas, there can be a shortage of suitable SFA's. The Army is sorry when this happens and you may have to wait. Your disappointment is understood but new homes cannot be conjured up overnight. For this reason when you apply for SFA your name is placed on a waiting list just as it would be for a Council House and you must await your turn for one to become available.
Choice of quarters
It is frequently not possible to give you a choice of SFA as there may be more applicants waiting for accommodation than there are available. Even so, every effort is made to allocate you the most suitable SFA taking into account the size of your family and the ages/sex of your children. This may not always be possible if there is no suitable empty SFA. You could, therefore, be allocated SFA, which is too large or perhaps, too small or not exactly what you would have chosen. It can sometimes be a matter of taking what you are offered or going without. In some garrisons where there are surplus SFA, it may be possible to offer you a choice of SFA. However, this has become increasingly difficult lately due to many reasons.
Army Wharf Scheme
Under this scheme you may request the withdrawal of some of the furniture, so you can use your own. As there may be limitations on manpower, storage and transport, the scheme is discretionary. However, every effort will be made to provide an initial wharf on taking over the SFA and to provide an additional wharf at a later point. (See also AWIS Information Sheet: SFA - The Wharf Scheme).
Unfurnished/Defurnished SFA (see also AWIS Information Sheet: Application for Surplus Service Families Accommodation). You are entitled to have an unfurnished or defurnished SFA if you wish. Every effort will be made to satisfy this request but as with the wharf scheme, there might be limitations on storage, transport and manpower.
Part furnished SFA
If the occupant of a quarter is allowed to underdraw or wharf furnishings to a total of 50% or more, then they may be entitled to pay a reduced SFA charge.
Repairs and maintenance/response time
Details of agreed response times for repairs to SFA are given in AWIS Information Sheet: Irregular Occupancy. However, in view of the current need to reduce expenditure, nationally and in the Army, you should understand that this must have some effect on how quickly and how much of the repairs you ask for can be done with the monies available. Of course the serious, important repairs (like a leaking roof) will be undertaken, but routine (not really urgent) ones may have to wait. Please realise that the same difficulties and delays are also being suffered by council house tenants in the civilian world and that it is not just the Army who is being inconvenienced.
Conclusion
Although these explanations will not alter the times of frustration and, even, anger over your SFA, it is hoped they will help you understand why the Army may, sometimes, find it difficult to meet all your wishes. Do not feel this Information Sheet is written to stop you complaining, making suggestions or asking for anything. Only in this way can it be known what you need.
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