BRUNEI: DIO(B) - Scheduled Water Temperature Monitoring and Chlorine Testing, DIO Scheduled Work and Planned renovation works at H16 Building 1, 2, 7, and 8

DIO(B) SCHEDULED WATER TEMPERATURE MONITORING AND CHLORINE TESTING.

1. In Order to Comply with the UK standard, DIO contractor Marsee will be carrying out the scope of works as shown below:

a. Check temperature reading of hot and cold water at the very sentinal point.

b. Check chlorine level in water using site test kit.

c. Visual check and small adjustment of water heater.

d. To record water analysis

e. Duration of work will take 10mins to 15mins.

DIO Scheduled Work

DIO contractors will be carrying out inspection works as shown in the table below. Utilities may be affected during the work, but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption.

To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk either via phone Calls Ext.3375 or 3224130 or Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk during office hours.

Planned renovation works at H16 Building 1, 2, 7, and 8

As per agreed renovation or refurbishment programme, DIO(B) contractor will start work at H16 Building 1, 2, 7, and 8 for 6 month from next week for the mobilisation works.

For safety reason, please avoid entering and parking surround the construction site at all times. During working hours, the surrounding area may experience increased noise level, loading and unloading activities, and restricted access due to safety measures. All road access to PCMS, accommodation areas, and the thrift shop will remain available. However, all road users are advised to exercise caution at all times when using these routes.

If you have any concerns or issues related to the works, including health and safety matters, please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk as you first point of contact.

• Mon – Sat: 0800 – 1700
• Start mobilisation date: 13 June 2026
• Start construction works: 1 July 2026
• Target completion date: End of Jan 2027

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 09 June 2026

Interim Chair of Defence Housing Service

The Defence Housing Strategy, announced in November 2025, marks the most significant transformation of Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years. It sets out an ambitious, fully funded ten-year programme to improve the homes and communities that service personnel and their families rely on every day. At the heart of this generational renewal, is the creation of a standalone professional Defence housing organisation, the Defence Housing Service.

Leading this transition is Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, who has been appointed Interim Chair of the Defence Housing Service. Natalie previously chaired the Defence Housing Strategy Review Team and will play a crucial role in leading the transition to the new organisation, ensuring it is ready to deliver for you and your families from day one.

Once formally established in law through the Armed Forces Bill, the Defence Housing Service will take responsibility for managing nearly 50,000 military homes across the UK. Its mission includes providing safe, high-quality, and reliable housing that reflects modern military life.

Natalie’s appointment comes as the latest polling data collected by Opinion Research Services shows a rise in satisfaction among Personnel and families living in military homes.

Read more at Defence Homes.

Victory Services Club - Monthly Newsletter & Digital Magazine

Victory Services Club have published their latest newsletter and also their digital magazine.

To read the latest ‘Club Life’ newsletter, please click here: Club Life Newsletter - May 2026

To view the digital magazine, please click HERE

For more information about the Victory Services Club, please go to: Home - Victory Services Club

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 May 2026

HomeHub
Following the recent downtime, there has been some updates on how you access HomeHub and an extra security step has been added. This means you may be asked by GOV.UK One Login to prove your identity when you log in. You may have already done this when using other government services, such as:
• Renewing a passport
• Updating a driving licence
• Using some HMRC services

What this means for you
• If you’ve already proved your identity, you don’t need to do anything. Your details are saved by GOV.UK One Login and will be recognised when you log in to HomeHub.
• If you haven’t proved your identity to GOV.UK One Login yet, you’ll be asked to do this the next time you log in.

How to prove your identity
You only need to do this once and can do so in one of three ways:
• Using the GOV.UK One Login app
• Answering security questions online
• Going to a Post Office

What you can use will depend on your device and the ID you have. For step-by-step help, click here.

Please note, Pinnacle does not verify your identity and does not receive or store any of your information. Your identity is checked by GOV.UK OneLogin, which securely validates and stores your details.

Summer safety guidance
Summer is just around the corner, and we want to share with you some of our best tips to keep you, your family and your home safe while enjoying the sunshine.

Check your window restrictors
As it gets warmer, it may be tempting to open windows wide to let in a cool breeze. However, there is a risk of children or vulnerable adults falling from open windows and being injured if restrictors are not engaged. Please do not remove your window restrictors and ensure they are operating correctly. They should not allow the window to open further than 100mm when engaged. If they are missing, or not working, please contact Pinnacle to get this remedied.

Practice BBQ safety
BBQs should be in a well-ventilated outdoors space, away from flammable objects like fences, sheds and shrubs. If you have a gas BBQ, make sure the gas bottle is turned off and removed safely. If you use a disposable BBQ (or coals), do not throw it away until it has cooled down completely.

Keep your garden tidy
Create a safer space for your children to play by keeping your garden well maintained over summer. Regularly mow lawns and clear litter, food and pet waste to discourage pests and remove trip hazards. For any larger jobs that present a safety risk, such as unstable trees, contact Pinnacle.

If you require any further advice, please contact your local Housing Officer or Pinnacle at 0800 031 8628. You can also find more summer safety tips on the Pinnacle website.

Stay connected with Defence Homes updates
Join the Defence Homes community and never miss an update. Families can now subscribe to receive the latest Defence Homes news, helpful updates and our Families First Newsletter, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Signing up is quick and easy: just visit Defence Homes and enter your email address.

Ministerial visit to Woolwich
Families living at Woolwich Barracks recently welcomed Defence Secretary John Healey MP and local MP and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, who visited the site to see first-hand the improvements being made to SFA.

The properties visited have been refurbished recently as part of a £10 million investment to Woolwich. This includes refurbishments to 130 homes, ahead of the return of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment from deployment in Cyprus.

Read more about it on Defence Homes.

AFCAS results
Yesterday the results of the 2026 Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) were released. We are pleased to see that satisfaction with the overall standard of SFA has improved slightly since last year at 52%. Satisfaction with responses to requests for repairs and maintenance works within SFA has also increased for the third year in a row to 39%, an increase of 5%.

This year’s results are encouraging, but we know there is more to do and work to reshape, redevelop and modernise the Defence housing estate is already being driven forward through the Defence Housing Strategy.

DIO Families First Newsletter, published 29 May

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

Pinnacle Service Families: Latest Accommodation Updates including the next Virtual Outreach Day on

HomeHub reaches 2,000 families

HomeHub – the new online platform designed to support Service families in reporting and tracking housing repairs – has now reached over 2,000 registrations.

To register for HomeHub, families will first need to register for a One Login account. They can do this on the Government’s One Login Website. Every member of the household will need to register for a One Login account and HomeHub account using their own personal details.

For further information visit www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/homehub

*Please note that the HomeHub is unavailable 20–26 May while Pinnacle carry out updates. During this time, you can still report or track logged repairs via Pinnacle
Tel : 0800 031 8628
Contact Us - Pinnacle Service Families

Summer Tips campaign now live

Pinnacle’s 2026 Summer Tips social campaign is now live, offering timely, practical advice to support Service families as we head into the warmer months. Running throughout May and June, the campaign helps families prepare their homes, stay safe in hot weather and avoid common seasonal issues.

The posts cover a wide range of summer themes - from keeping homes safe and well‑maintained to managing outdoor spaces and preventing warm‑weather risks inside and outside the property. Each message reinforces our 24/7 helpdesk number so families know exactly where to turn if they need support.

All of this year’s tips can be viewed on the PSF website here.

Our next virtual outreach day

We are inviting all Service Family Accommodation (SFA) residents to join our next Virtual Outreach Day on Wednesday 10th June 2026. This online event is a valuable opportunity for families to connect directly with our support teams via Microsoft Teams, from the comfort of their own homes. 

Whether families are dealing with a tricky repair, have questions about allocations, or simply want to better understand the services available to them, the outreach day is designed to provide tailored assistance and guidance. These sessions are part of Pinnacle’s broader initiative to ensure military families have multiple, accessible ways to get the support they need. 

Booking is now open and can be done easily here.  

BELGIUM: DIO European Support Group Families Newsletter

Please find below the May Edition of the DIO Families Newsletter.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Defence Update on Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

If you’re in a long-term relationship, a range of allowances and support are now available to you – the same as your married or civil-partnered colleagues.

What’s changed?

Many allowances were only available to Service Personnel who were married or in a civil partnership. That wasn’t fair – not everyone wants to get married, even when they’re in a committed relationship.

From 1 May 2026, if you are in a Long-Term Relationship (Established) – known as an LTR(E) – you can claim allowances and provisions that were previously unavailable to you, just like your married colleagues.

Brunei: DIO - how to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler

 How to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler!

The recent gas supply outage has resulted in no hot water in many houses that have manual gas boilers. There are different types of gas boilers in our estate, and the pilot light in each must be ignited manually to resume the hot water supply. 

The QR code takes you to a video explaining how to relight the pilot light after outage for four different types of gas boilers in the BFB Estate. If you are still experiencing issues after this, please inform the DIO Helpdesk.

https://youtu.be/TTUC-822xFc

DIO Families Families First Newsletter - Issue 37 Published

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available to view and download on the Defence Homes website.

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas.

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.

Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.

Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.

For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk

Scotland: Pinnacle Housing Officer.

Find the contact details of your Housing officer here 👉 Your Housing Officer - Pinnacle Service Families

Alternatively you can ring 0800 031 8628 and choose option 4 to get the information over the phone.

Brunssum: Where to get Flea Bombs for your March Out

If you have pets in your house you need to purchase flea bombs to use before you March Out. Some families have had difficulties in purchasing flea bombs within the limited time frame of Marching Out.

There are two main options to get flea bombs:

• Buy them online - this can take up to 2 weeks or more for them to arrive - especially if ordering to the BFPO address, 4 weeks in advance is advised.
• Fress Napf is a pet shop in Germany (about 10 minutes drive from JFC Brunssum) that sells flea bombs. Below are photos of the items.

These items can also be ordered online, by searching for 'Flea Bombs' or 'Flea Foggers'. Again please bear in mind that delivery of these can take longer than you might expect!

Please note that the prices above are correct as of Feb 2026.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Limburg House - UK Welfare House - Netherlands

 Limburg House is the UK community and welfare house located in Brunssum.

Property details:

• 3 Bed semi-detached located within 10 min walk into Brunssum town centre.
• Driveway and street parking available.
• Property has been fully refurbished within and includes, Oven, Fridge freezer, Microwave, induction hob and a dishwasher.
• Underfloor heating downstairs, tiled and laminate flooring throughout the property.
• Electric shutters with remote on all windows.
• The cost per night is €30, which includes WiFi and bedding.
• The community carpet cleaner is available to book through Limburg House - cost is €20 per day.

Available to all UK military personnel and family.

For enquires and bookings please email: LimburgHouse@gmail.com

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Local Accommodation at The General Eisenhower Hotel

The General Eisenhower Hotel

Looking for accommodations for your new delegation members or visiting family? Look no further!

Welcome to The General Eisenhower Hotel, nestled within the JFC Conference Center. Our reasonably priced 20-room operation offers convenient access to both the JFC HQ and Brunssum City Center, all within walking distance.

Set in the picturesque Brunssumer Heide area of the Netherlands, our hotel is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Take leisurely walks, invigorating runs, or scenic bike rides right from our doorstep.

Experience comfort, convenience, and the beauty of nature all in one place at The General Eisenhower Hotel.

View more detail and book your stay here.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Dual Accommodation Waiver – Information update on changes effective from 1 Apr 26

The Defence Accommodation Policy team have provided updated information on the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) in line with changes that took effect from 1 Apr 2026.

Dual Accommodation Waiver applies to Service Personnel who live in SLA during the week as their Residence at Work Address and can also evidence a Privately Maintained Property, family home or formally retained Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the UK.

The policy changes relate to timelines for claims, including backdating. This new information is available within the following Sway: Dual Accommodation Waiver Explained (Previously Extended SLA Waiver)

JSP references and key points of contact are included in the Sway for further enquiries, and HIVE can also be contacted for further information.

BRUNEI: DIO - Legionella Awareness & Prevention and Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth

Legionella Awareness

Please click HERE or Scan the QR Code above.

Legionella Prevention

Please click the images to enlarge.

Water Flushing

What is water flushing?

Water flushing is a method undertaken to prevent the build-up of conditions favourable to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria within hot and cold water systems. It does this by:

• Introducing fresh cold water containing residual disinfectant
• Exposing pipework to temperatures at which Legionella bacteria is discouraged
• Dislodging biofilm through the simple act of running water

A water flushing regime should be designed so that it allows for the whole dead-leg (section of stagnant water) to be removed.

The water should be purged long enough for circulating or freshwater to be drawn from the outlet - indicating that all stagnant water has been expelled.

Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth.

• Water flushing needs to be conducted once a week for any low use water outlets. These consist of outlets within empty quarters/buildings or low use facilities that have water outlets within them.
• Water flushing takes a minimum of 5 minutes for cold and/or hot water outlets.
• Water outlets consist of anything that produces water – kitchen/bathroom/basin/garden taps, showers, hoses etc.
• Building Custodians are required to keep a record of what outlets have been flushed and when, to prove that flushing has been conducted.

Water Flushing record log.

The table below is an example flushing record log:

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: RMP Vacant Property Survey - Register your property as vacant to trigger extra patrols

Please click the image to enlarge.

BFB Vacant Property Scheme

Leaving your property vacant and want the RMP to keep an eye on it whilst you are away? Scan the QR code and fill in the form it takes less than two minutes.

RMP Top Tips

• Make your home look occupied by using lights and timers.

• Make entry difficult by securing all doors and windows.

• Keep valuables out of sight.

• Reporting any faults or overgrown shrubbery to DIO so that potential criminals have no place to hide.

• Consider the installation of CCTV doorbells, they are really effective.

Keep an eye on one another, we are a community. If something doesn’t look right call us on +833 0252.The Vacant Property Survey allows the RMP security team to identify those houses that will be vacant during leave periods more effectively and to trigger more frequent security patrols.

Click here Vacant Property Survey or Scan the QR Code.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026.

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) will become a permanent waiver for eligible Service personnel (SP) and outdated waivers based on marriage and age will be retired.

First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.

What are the key changes from 1 April 2026?

Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates.

To register for a Briefing, and provide your details please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing

For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families