CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak visited Catterick Garrison with the Defence Secretary to talk about how new government funding will benefit soldiers' lives.

Thousands of Armed Forces families across the UK – including at Catterick Garrison – will have their accommodation improved and renovated thanks to nearly £200m of new Government funding.

On a the joint visit with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Mr Sunak talked to soldiers about the ways the improvements will help them.

More than 5,000 personnel will have homes renovated and modernised with new kitchens, bathrooms and furnishings.

3,500 service homes will be upgraded as well as single living quarters.

Servicemen and women based at Catterick were involved in building two of the nation’s Nightingale hospitals – including one at Harrogate.

They also provided planning assistance for the NHS and advice and support in delivering the Covid-19 testing process.

Mr Sunak said: “Day-in, day-out, our Armed Forces make huge personal sacrifices for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they have the best conditions possible.

"This news doesn’t just mean service homes across the country will be upgraded, but will see 2,000 jobs in sectors where they are needed the most, like plumbing and decorating – delivering our Plan for Jobs.”