Posting/Housing Queries.

[Janto]

I'm hoping that someone can provide me with information on my situation.

I am due to be posted on promotion to TSW (Stafford) mid September and have just recently been informed that there is no MOD housing available. HIC 7, who administer housing in that area have pre-allocated (is that a word??) all the available housing to the incoming Ghurka's and therefore It is likely I'll be offered accom in Telford; that is approx 21 miles away.

I have recently read through the RAF Housing Policy Statement and feel that I have been somewhat disadvantaged here. I am married with a young child who will hopefully start pre-school when we return but this has caused some anxiety to my wife and also a degree of uncertainty with my own mind.

Any advice or contacts would be greatfully received.

 

[True Blue Jack]

Off Topic I didn't think there was anything left at Stafford?

To the best of my knowledge, DE/HD are required to house you and your family within 50 miles of your place of work, that being considered the maximum reasonable daily commuting distance. Therefore, I am afraid by putting you into Telford they have done their duty.

I am less sure on this next piece of advice: if you turn down an allocated quarter in Telford because you want to be closer to Stafford, then you run the risk that the second offer you get will be even worse for you. I think I am right in saying that if you turn down 2 quarters for "personal" reasons you go back to the bottom of the waiting list. DT_Xtremez_38:

On the plus side: allowances policy is written around the fact that you should expect to be housed within one mile of your place of work, so you will receive Home To Duty for the additional 20 miles each way (also payable while on leave, but not on detachment).

Also, Telford is quite a nice town. DT_Xtremez_19:

Finally, when I was posted to my current unit I was told there was no way I could be housed any closer than 15 miles away but more likely 25. By asking nicely and explaining my family situation - 2 young kids, wife cannot drive, etc., they were able to find me a house on one of the main patches.

 

[tommo9999]

TBJ is correct in his statement above. I know both towns and would rather live in Telford. Stafford is a hole IMHO.

 

[Janto]

Off Topic I didn't think there was anything left at Stafford?

To the best of my knowledge, DE/HD are required to house you and your family within 50 miles of your place of work, that being considered the maximum reasonable daily commuting distance. Therefore, I am afraid by putting you into Telford they have done their duty.

I am less sure on this next piece of advice: if you turn down an allocated quarter in Telford because you want to be closer to Stafford, then you run the risk that the second offer you get will be even worse for you. I think I am right in saying that if you turn down 2 quarters for "personal" reasons you go back to the bottom of the waiting list. DT_Xtremez_38:

On the plus side: allowances policy is written around the fact that you should expect to be housed within one mile of your place of work, so you will receive Home To Duty for the additional 20 miles each way (also payable while on leave, but not on detachment).

Also, Telford is quite a nice town. DT_Xtremez_19:

Finally, when I was posted to my current unit I was told there was no way I could be housed any closer than 15 miles away but more likely 25. By asking nicely and explaining my family situation - 2 young kids, wife cannot drive, etc., they were able to find me a house on one of the main patches.

Many thanks for your honest and frank response.

TSW still remains at Stafford (for the forseeable future anyway).

My wife unfortunately cannot drive either but I will ask politely (as if I wouldn't) to see if they can squeeze us in somewhere ( OOOOoohhh Matron) near the main camp.

Thanks again.

 

[penfold93]

How long is TSW going to stay at Stafford, thought it was on the move plus Stafford is filling up with Pongos and from a medical view point, you get seen at Cosford so quarter at Telford may not be a bad thing.

TBJ is right about turning down the DE offers they can get a real sh1t on and the next FMQ could be worse. If you get chance get up there and look at both sets. Also look for empty quarters and note them down as if they say there are none available you can use the 'wella mate told me x , y and Z FMQ's are empty. Worked for me down in Gosport.

Good LuckDT_Xtremez_30:

 

[vinnyvx]

Janto,
You may be interested in the attached from JSP 464 Part 1, SFA Regs, which I'm reasonably familiar with from my time in Personnel Policy.

0201. Radius from Duty Station. SFA is to be provided as close as possible to the Service person's duty station with the DE-HD always attempting in the first instance to offer SFA within 10 miles radius of the duty station. SFA outside this radius, up to a maximum of 20 miles, can be allocated only with the agreement of the Local Service Commander, other¬wise DE-HD will issue a NAC. Should local circumstances require the exceptional allocation of SFA in excess of the 20 mile discretionary limit, Local Service Commanders should seek authority from their respective single Service policy staffs.

A NAC is a Non Availability Certificate, is DE-HD issue you one of these you can apply for Substitute Service Families Accommodation (SSFA)(A privately rented house). You won't pay a penny for it!

DE-HD have been known to say we've an agreement with the Stn Cdr to allocate SFA outside the 20 mile limit, when in fact they haven't. If they try it, push the issue up the chain of command and check.

Speak to your HE-HD allocation office and quote the regs, then ask for a NAC. Result, rather private nice house at Stafford and happy wife.

Vinnyvx

 

[busby1971]

What if you can't drive

What if you can't drive

what if you couldn't or would not be willing to use your own car to get to work.

Home to duty, whilst nice to have does not cover the full cost of driving, those of us who choose to live out don't mind as it is our choice.

But if you are forced to live 25 miles from work, what could happen to you.

Made to live in the block mon - fri, good for retention.

Possibility of a round robin bus type thing?

open replies only playing devils advocate....