News
Welsh military homes to receive upgrade following large cash boost
Strategic Defence Review pledges urgent repairs and new housing for Armed Forces families across Wales
AROUND 800 military homes in Wales are set to benefit from a substantial uplift in funding as part of the UK Government’s £7 billion investment in Armed Forces accommodation across this Parliament.
The upcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will confirm an additional £1.5 billion to tackle the dire state of military housing, promising urgent repairs, higher standards, and long-term upgrades. The move comes in response to longstanding concerns over conditions faced by service families, including issues such as unreliable boilers, leaky roofs, damp, and mould.
The Welsh allocation will contribute to a broader UK-wide effort to renew the nation’s contract with its Armed Forces personnel, as part of the government’s wider Plan for Change. The investment will cover both Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and single-living quarters, aiming for a generational renewal of defence housing infrastructure.
The funding will be guided by the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy and the newly announced Consumer Charter, which introduces basic housing rights for military families. These include access to essential property information, improved move-in standards, a named housing officer for every family, and a robust complaints system.
Immediate improvements
The Government has committed to begin immediate renovation work on 1,000 of the worst-affected homes across the UK, ensuring that Armed Forces personnel and their families are no longer left to endure sub-standard conditions.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, said: “The Armed Forces make a valued and vital contribution to Wales and our national security.
“I warmly welcome this action to address urgent repairs and facilitate the development of new housing for service families. Our 800 forces family homes in Wales will now benefit from the uplift as part of this £7bn commitment.
“Through initiatives such as the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme and the new Armed Forces Commissioner for Wales, we are ensuring that those who serve receive the support and recognition they deserve.”
A renewed commitment
Defence Secretary John Healey MP added: “Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country.
“For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes. This government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve.
“We are determined to end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. This investment is about delivering fast, fixing housing, and honouring the nation’s commitment to those who serve.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns said: “After years of unacceptable living conditions, we are delivering long-overdue investment that puts our service families first.
“This funding will ensure that those who protect our nation, and their families, can live in homes they can be proud of. We promised better housing, and we are delivering.”
The SDR will also establish long-term goals to modernise defence capabilities and ensure the UK remains secure at home and strong abroad. The commitment to improved military housing forms a key part of that strategy.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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