Armed Forces Cost of Living 2023-06-26
2023-06-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the financial burden on military personnel and its effect on morale and recruitment.
What recent assessment has his Department made of the potential impact of increases in the cost of living on the armed forces' (a) morale and (b) recruitment?
We have introduced measures to support personnel and mitigate cost of living impacts, including capping accommodation charges, freezing food charges, increasing travel allowances, rebating council tax contributions, and introducing childcare services. Over the past five years, armed forces pay has increased by 11%, with a significant percentage uplift in 2022.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a House of Commons Library report indicating that the Government plans to spend £3 billion on nuclear weapons this year, while there are reports of service people and their families using food banks.
According to the House of Commons Library, this Westminster Government plan to spend £3 billion on renewing nuclear weapons for 2023-24. When we see reports of service people and their families using food banks, does the Minister think that is a wise use of public funds?
I fully support the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, which has kept us safe for years. As long as there are Conservative Governments, this will continue. The Minister expresses disappointment that her party does not back the armed forces in supporting the deterrent.
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Assessment & feedback
wise use of public funds on nuclear weapons
Disagreement With Opposition
Support For Government Policy
Response accuracy