Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tobias Ellwood and Jo Platt

Monday 15th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ellwood]

No one else is stepping forward, so I will jump in.

[Jo Platt (Leigh) (Lab/Co-op)]

14. What assessment he has made of the effect of delays to the 2018-19 pay negotiations on retention in the armed forces.

[Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab)]

21. What assessment he has made of the effect of delays to the 2018-19 pay negotiations on retention in the armed forces.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Tobias Ellwood)]

As the House is aware, pay rates are recommended by the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and by the Senior Salaries Review Body for the most senior officers. The next set of recommendations are expected in the spring.

[Jo Platt]

Does the Minister share my concern that all three services are running below strength and that the delay in lifting the armed forces pay cap and in prioritising recruitment will only exacerbate the problem?