Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve retention among Armed Forces personnel.

The Government is committed to improving retention across the Armed Forces and renewing the nation's contract with those who serve. Since April 2024, we have delivered two of the largest pay increases in over 20 years for Service Personnel; most have received a cumulative pay award of 14.1% over that period. We continue to improve the overall offer through more flexible terms of service, a modernised allowance system, targeted financial incentives, specialist skills payments and enhanced support for Service personnel and their families. We are also investing in accommodation (through the Defence Housing Strategy published on 3 November 2025), childcare (Defence Wraparound Childcare scheme and UK Nursery Authority), professional development and career flexibility to ensure Service life remains rewarding and sustainable.

The Armed Forces Welfare Support policy (JSP 770), after undergoing a full review was published in January 2025. The policy includes updated information and guidance to ensure the welfare support structures are appropriate, accurate, and informative for Service personnel and their families.

These measures are showing positive results. For the first time in several years, Armed Forces intake now exceeds outflow, with recruitment increasing and departures reducing compared with previous years. We will continue to monitor retention closely and take action where evidence shows further improvements are needed.