Service Family Accommodation Charges and Allowances
Introduction
Charges for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) are recommended by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB), which is independent of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). These charges are subsided compared to civilian housing, this is in recognition of the inherently mobile lifestyles of Service Personnel and other issues associated with Service life.
Furniture charges (Part Furnished or Furnished), Contribution in Lieu of Council Tax (CILOCT), Garage/Carport charges are recorded and charged separately.
Download the SFA Furniture and Garage Charges here.
Combined Accommodation Assessment System (CAAS)
What is it?
A methodology that determines the accommodation charge for Service Family Accommodation, Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and the substitute equivalents. CAAS was introduced for SFA on 1 April 2016 and replaced both MOD’s 4TG regulations and DIO’s ‘Standard for Condition’ as the reported measure of condition.
What factors will be assessed?
CAAS considers the condition, scale and location of the property, using modern, objective assessments that aims to apply fairly and equally to all. Where a standard is not, or cannot be met, the charge is reduced to reflect the deficiency from the target standard.
JSP 464 Volume 3 provides full details on the charges for Service personnel in SFA, SLA and Substitute equivalents.
CAAS Surveys
These surveys are important, they ensure your home is safe for occupation, the correct CAAS band charge is being applied. The data gathered during a CAAS survey will identify what works are required at that address and will inform future upgrade and improvement programmes.
DIO will write to you in advance to inform you when a survey needs to take place. It is important you allow the surveyor access to your home. If the date of the CAAS survey isn’t convenient, please rearrange as soon as you can using the contact details in your letter.
CAAS Challenges
If you receive a letter to say that your banding has changed and you disagree with this, you will have 28 working days (from the date of occupancy, receipt of notification or implementation date of a policy change) in which to challenge it.
You must state what the challenge relates to, and the restorative action sought and you must make this in writing by letter, email or using the template on Dii.
CILOCT (Contribution In Lieu Of Council Tax)
This is paid by Service personnel living in publicly funded accommodation and paying accommodation charges. The level of CILOCT payable by Service personnel occupying SFA and SLA is calculated and promulgated annually by People-Accommodation. The charge is determined by dividing the number of occupied properties (by type) by the total amount payable to local authorities (LA) for each type of property.
CILOCT is collected by the MOD via the Serving person’s pay.
Similar to Council Tax rules, a 25% discount is applicable to single adults living in SFA or substitute equivalents who pay CILOCT. Serving personnel in Personal Status Categories (PStatCAt) 1s or 5s are not eligible for this discount unless the spouse or partner meets one or more of criteria A to J. To qualify for a discount, an occupant must be living alone or solely with persons who fall into the categories laid down in paragraph 0405 (JSP 464 Vol 3 Pt 1).
- For full details on CILOCT please refer to JSP 464 Vol 3 Pt 1, chapter 4.
Insurance
When you occupy SFA or Substitute SFA (SSFA) standard home and buildings insurance policies do not cover your liability. This is because you are not classed as a tenant as you would be in a civilian rented property. When you move in to SFA or SSFA you sign what is known as a ‘Licence to Occupy’ and standard policies do not cover you.
If you live in SFA or SSFA the MOD strongly encourages you to arrange insurance for your liability to DIO Accommodation (up to at least the sum advised by the MOD which is currently £20,000.00), your personal property and that of any spouse/civil partner or child and your liability to third parties in respect of injury to them and damage to their property. (JSP 464, Vol 1, part 1, chapter 6, Section I, para 0605)
The Services Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP) provides details of insurance providers who can ensure that you have the necessary ‘Licence to Occupy’ and Kit and Contents cover.
