AFF Northern Ireland - What we are working on
Childcare
AFF NI is currently running a childcare survey in Lisburn to see if there is a requirement for full-time childcare within Thiepval Barracks.
Passports
There is an issue whether the MOD should pay for passports for dependants posted to NI. All airlines require photographic ID to travel around the UK unlike the ferry companies. The problem occurs if a family needs to return to the mainland at short notice following a Cat A and they have no passports so are unable to use airlines, and JCCC will not pay for a ferry as it is not the fastest method of travel. 38 (I) Bde have put a case forward to see if children’s passports could be funded as adults could use other forms of photo ID. Families with strong views on this should contact AFF.
Removals
Removals are proving to be a challenge for families at the moment. Not only are some families being told that they have too much furniture to be included in their removals, but that if they are over their allowance they will have to pay for the extra cubic metres or move the goods themselves. They have to wait ten days for a delivery between NI and the mainland – or vice versa. This is very frustrating for families, especially when they see a loaded truck parked on the estate for four days without moving.
Families are entitled to four nights in a hotel upon posting and most use that for two nights in NI and then two nights at their new location but now they have six nights without a home. Many have to rely on the goodwill of friends and if fortunate, family members to help out – but why should this be affecting families so much and leave them heading to their new posting biding time till their new march in date? This issue has already been raised with the CGS Briefing Team during their visit to Aldergrove on 25th July, but we are currently gathering evidence on removals and the issues being faced by families to see if any changes can be made to the policy in NI.
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