Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Pay

Monday 10 January 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Armed forces pay is assessed to be competitive and includes benefits such as subsidised food, accommodation, non-contributory pension, and allowances.
  • The Ministry of Defence compensates for a SNP tax hike affecting service members in Scotland, amounting to 580 per person.
  • Measures such as technical bonuses, a strategic review of terms and conditions, and reward and incentivisation schemes are being implemented to retain senior staff and compete with private sectors.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carol Monaghan SNP
Defence Employment
Context

The MP questioned recent trends regarding the level of pay for armed forces personnel, noting that many have experienced a real-terms decrease since 2010.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of trends in the level of pay of armed forces personnel? Since 2010, many service members have seen significant real-term decreases up to 6.5%, struggling with the rising cost of living. Will the Minister lift the pay freeze and restore levels from a decade ago?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Armed forces pay is competitive and includes benefits like subsidised food, accommodation, non-contributory pension, and allowances. We are mindful of protecting the lowest earners during the public sector pay pause.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address whether he will lift the pay freeze or restore levels to pre-2010 amounts

How: We Are Mindful Of Protecting The Lowest Earners, Service Personnel Benefit Significantly From Subsidies And Allowances

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Q2 Carol Monaghan SNP
Defence Employment
Context

The MP expressed concern over real-term decreases in service members' salaries since 2010 and the impact of cost-of-living increases, challenging the government to lift the pay freeze.

Question

Will the Minister now lift the public sector pay freeze for armed forces personnel? Many have seen significant real-term decreases up to 6.5%, struggling with rising costs. Will levels be restored to pre-2010 figures?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Service personnel benefit from subsidies, non-contributory pensions, and allowances. However, the SNP's tax hike on service members in Scotland is £580 per person, which the Ministry of Defence compensates for.

Not addressed: Did not address lifting pay freeze or restoring levels

How: Service Personnel Benefit From Subsidies And Allowances, The Snp'S Tax Hike On Service Members In Scotland

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Q3 Bob Stewart Con
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

The MP noted that after six months' training, private soldiers earn roughly £3,000 to £4,000 less than newly-trained policemen. The question is about the disparity in pay.

Question

Why do service members get approximately £3,000 to £4,000 less than a policeman after six months' training? That seems strange and needs explanation.

Answer from Leo Docherty

Service personnel benefit from subsidised food and accommodation, non-contributory pension, and allowances. Many young soldiers also take advantage of the Forces Help to Buy scheme for home ownership.

Not addressed: Did not provide an account or explanation for the pay disparity

How: Service Personnel Benefit From Subsidies And Allowances, Young Soldiers Can Use The Forces Help To Buy Scheme

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Q4 Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield
Defence Veterans
Context

The MP expressed concern over retention issues for senior staff due to the gap between what they earn and what they could make in private sectors.

Question

Is the Minister aware that there are huge pressures on retaining more senior staff, especially in the Royal Navy and Air Force? The skill demand in these areas is affecting their ability to stay. What measures can be taken?

Answer from Leo Docherty

We offer technical bonuses, are initiating a strategic review of terms and conditions, reward and incentivisation schemes to compete with private sectors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify specific measures or timelines for addressing the issue

How: Initiating A Strategic Review, Offering Technical Bonuses

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