Service Personnel Retirement Age and Conditions for Service 2023-09-11
2023-09-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent concerned about the cut-off age of 55 for reservists in administrative roles, particularly noting that it might be too young to retire.
I associate myself with the earlier remarks. I have written previously on this issue. My constituent who spent years in the armed forces is concerned that the Army is losing institutional memory due to rigid cut-off ages, especially for reservists in administrative roles at 55. Will the MOD take this into account and consider allowing longer service?
I declare my interest as a 63-year-old reservist. I sympathise with the points raised about retaining institutional memory and we will factor these into our review.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask of adjusting retirement age for administrative roles not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Levels of satisfaction with service life have plunged a third over the past 13 years, indicating low military morale.
The Defence Secretary is with his family today. I offer condolences and congratulations on his new role. The decline in military morale has been significant; what is the plan to address this issue?
The picture painted about life in the armed forces may be overly gloomy. Most people find it rewarding, and they take skills with them into civilian life successfully. We have commissioned Rick Haythornthwaite's review to address future workplace competition.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about lifting morale not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, but armed forces personnel have been given the lowest pay rise among public servants.
We acknowledge the Minister's words, but we know his party often lacks action despite rhetoric. What specific measures will be taken to remedy the low pay rise for armed forces personnel?
The lowest paid members received 9.7% by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, which was accepted in full; seniors got 5.8%; two-star rank and above got 5.5%. These are the best pay awards to the least well-paid.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Police received a significantly higher pay rise than other uniformed public servants, raising questions about the representation body.
I disagree with the figures presented. The police secured nearly 50% higher pay rises compared to our uniformed public servants due to their statutory body representing them. Why does his Government not support such action for armed forces personnel?
The hon. Gentleman ignored my previous statements and did not mention freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about supporting a statutory body for armed forces personnel not addressed; changed subject to measures already taken
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living crisis.
Why do not his Government support a statutory body for armed forces personnel like they have for the police?
The hon. Gentleman ignored my previous statements and did not mention freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about supporting a statutory body for armed forces personnel not addressed; changed subject to measures already taken
Changing Subject
Response accuracy