The Housing Classification Policy (HCP) is a new Defence policy which changes the way Defence classifies Service residences (SRs). It will be phased in over 10 years from 1 July 2007, but the new policy will not affect members and their families until they actually move residence. The improved housing standard will gradually increase contributions for 'A' entitled members over ten years, with Transitional GRS Contributions planned to commence in FY09/10.

The HCP change enables DHA to deliver:

• a greater variety of housing types within each rank group;
• an improved housing standard for junior ranks which reflects today's community standards; and
• a new minimum amenity standard for all Service residences which will be phased in over ten years from July 2007. The Group Rent Scheme (GRS) for determining contributions according to rank will be retained.

Unaffected by the new policy are:

• the 50/50 sharing of housing costs with members; and
• member contributions during the current tenancy, except for the annual adjustment.