MINISTERS are tearing up red tape to make it easier for soldiers’ families to keep dogs and decorate their homes.

Defence Secretary John Healey said it was part of their promise to “stop the rot” for our heroes living in military accommodation. 

“For too long military families have lived in substandard housing without basic consumer rights,” he said.

“By providing more freedoms, such as allowing pet ownership, we are making sure that forces families all across the UK can reside and work in homes that suit contemporary living.”

Previously military families faced a long and bureaucratic approval process to own pets.

But from this week, they can keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without needing formal written permission. 

Veterans Minister Al Carns commented: “As a dog owner and a Royal Marine with 24 years of service, a significant portion of that in Service housing, I’m thrilled to simplify pet ownership for our committed personnel.”

Family members will also find it easier to run businesses from their military homes under the changes.

And they will have more freedom to decorate their house with things like wireless wall lamps and designs.

It is all part of a new Consumer Charter to enhance basic rights for service personnel.

And follows a deal to return 36,000 military homes to public ownership and an investment of £7 billion in accommodation this parliament.