DIO: Families First Issue 40 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

BRUNEI: DIO(B) - August Scheduled Work and Notification of Scheduled External Painting Works – J16 Flat C

Notification of Scheduled External Painting Works – J16 Flat C

As part of this financial year’s painting programme, the DIO(B) contractor will commence work at J16 Flat B starting Monday, 03 August 2026, for a duration of approximately 8 - 10 weeks.

Please inform the occupant of the following important points:

• Curtains must remain closed at all times while contractors are working outside the flat to maintain privacy and safety.
• The veranda is included in the scope of the painting works. Contractors will access it externally using a cherry picker lift.
• Work will be carried out during the following hours:
• Monday to Friday: 0800 – 1700
• Saturday: 0800 – 1700

For any concerns or issues related to the proposed works, please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk in the first instance.

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.

BRUNEI: DIO Helpdesk - Operating Hours and Information

DIO Helpdesk Telephone Operating Hours

Monday to Thursday 

 0730 to 12:30; 13:00 - 1630

Friday 

0730 to 12:30; 13:00 - 1400

CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday

• Occupants and building custodians are encouraged to email to bruneigar-dio-helpdesk@mod.gov.uk for all non-urgent faults. Please continue to report all emergency faults to your respective Duty Officers during out of hours and closure of Helpdesk.
• All fault reports are to be directed to either Ext. 3375 or 3224130.
• All fault report emails are to be directed to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk.
• All out of hours emergencies are to be directed to the Duty Officers as shown below.

a. RGR Duty Officer +673 833 0220
b. Garrison Duty Officer +673 833 0230
c. Duty Military Engineer +673 820 0853

For any urgent matter regarding Planned Preventative Maintenance or compliance, please contact

DIO Garrison Engineer

DIO Compliance Manager

For routine fault, please contact

DIO Helpdesk contact:

Phone number - 3224130/ or Ext.3375

Email - BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk

DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk

Or Duty Engineer (Out of hours only) can be contacted via the Duty Officer.

RGR Duty Officer - 833 0220

Garrison Duty Officer - 833 0230

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

Discover My Benefits - Families

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 July 2026

FamCAS 2026: SFA Satisfaction Continues to Improve

The Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2026 has been published today, providing valuable insight into the experiences of Service families and the issues that matter most to them, including housing.

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.

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

Legionella Awareness

Please click HERE or Scan the QR Code above.

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

DIO Update: Publication of NAO Report on the repurchase of the Defence SFA Estate

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published its report into the MOD’s buy-back of 36,000 homes.

The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better.

Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently.

For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can sign up to get Defence Homes updates direct to your inbox via this link: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Germany: Water Conservation in SFA

 Water Conservation Reminder 💧

With the recent hot weather, we’d like to remind all personnel, families, and visitors that water is a valuable resource. Please use it responsibly.

Simple actions can make a big difference:

• Take shorter showers
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
• Turn off taps when not in use
• Avoid watering lawns and gardens
• Refrain from topping up paddling pools and swimming pools unnecessarily

By working together and using water wisely, we can protect supplies, reduce demand, and ensure there’s enough water for everyone across the garrison.

Water is especially precious in Service Family Accommodation. Even small issues like dripping taps or running toilets can waste significant amounts if left unreported.

If you notice any leaks or faults, please report them immediately to the MITIE Helpdesk. Prompt reporting helps conserve water, reduce costs, and maintain a comfortable living environment for all.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in protecting this vital resource

DIO: Families First Issue 39 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

DIO: Subscribe to receive Defence Homes email updates

Defence Infrastructure Organisation are pleased to share that the Defence Homes website now offers a subscriber service, delivering Families First newsletter and the latest housing news updates straight to your inbox.

DIO are keen to keep Service personnel and their families connected with everything happening across Defence Homes.

Follow this link to sign up today.

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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.