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Ministry of Defence: Arms Length Bodies

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21446

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 74 of the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, which Arm's Length bodies have been identified to help improve efficiency of delivery.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence is committed to reforming its arm’s-length body landscape to improve efficiency of delivery, accountability and value for money.

Currently this includes bringing the 13 regional Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations together into a single national body, while retaining strong regional delivery and representation.

It also includes establishing the Defence Housing Service as a new arm’s-length body to provide the focus, specialist capability and accountability needed to improve Service family housing and accelerate the opportunity for development on surplus Defence land.

The Department continues to consider further opportunities for reform and will provide further details when decisions have been made.

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