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 introducing greater freedoms, including pet ownership, we are ensuring forces families up and down the UK can live and work in homes fit for modern life.”

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 added: “As a dog owner and Royal Marine who served for 24 years, much of it in Service accommodation, I’m delighted to be making it easier for our dedicated personnel to own family pets.”

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.