F e d e r a t i o n N e w s


the extra qualifications, training, expertise etc. that goes with being in a higher band trade and leaves us feeling that our efforts are undervalued.” (Cpl)


Allowances for Separated Service/ Detached Duty “Subsistence Allowances – I work within the same organisation as MOD civil servants who get remunerated for what they spend whilst on detached duty


, I have to survive on ‘Capped


actuals’ how can that position be defended when we are both away doing the same job for the same department?” (Chf T


ech)


Disturbance Allowance “My main concern is that single Service people (and those like myself, in a long-term relationship, but not married) are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to allowances. I own my own house, but when I was recently posted, the fact that I was moving to SLA at my new station meant that I was only entitled to £90 disturbance allowance and £200 for moving all my possessions. Had I been married, my disturbance allowance would have been around £1000 with additional moving allowances. It seems very unfair


.” (Flt Lt)


Pension Benefits “I have compared the RAF P of NA


TS Ltd (the National A


ension with that TC Organisation)


and we as a Service are significantly worse off. Theirs is a contributory pension scheme, and it has often been stated that ours is not as good because the RAF pension is NON-contributory YET


. , in the calculations for our pay increase by


the AFPRB they deduct from the starting sum an amount because of our non-contributory pension! In that case, surely


, that makes it a CONTRIBUTORY pension scheme.” (Flt Lt)


Get You Home/Posting/Detachment Allowance “In general, I think the Air Force pays well. However


, I believe quite strongly that we


should not be taxed whilst Out Of Area, as no other citizens of the UK are taxed when working abroad. Why should Service people be taxed? Also, if the financial benefits for serving OOA were better


, I believe people in


the RAF would extend to 6 months, in order to save money for themselves.The effect of having people extend voluntarily would be very beneficial to operational efficiency as reducing turn around times.” (Sgt)


Local Overseas Allowance “L


, as well OA could be higher considering the amount


of disruption it causes to families when spouse is OOA – also any tax breaks like that currently


16 Winter 2008


given to personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq should be given to personnel anywhere not just in active theatres – Al Udeid for example. US and AU personnel get assistance from their government for being there, why don't we?” (Cpl)


Specialist Pay eg. Flying Pay “Flying pay should be far more rapidly tapered for older aircrew


, in staff appointments, who are never going to fly again.” (Wg Cdr)


“Unless invited to join the Professional Aviator Spine, flying pay will not be considered as part of pensionable salary despite paying income tax and national insurance contributions on this earned income, it seems unfair that this is the case.”(FS)


Boarding School Allowance/Continuity of Education Allowance “The fact that CEA is limited to Boarding School and dependent on families having to follow the Serving person is frustrating. Some support for those electing to have a stable home, but unable to get a reasonable state education solution should be available.” (Wg Cdr)


“Education Allowance should be graded against how much you earn; ie. the more you earn the less you receive in education allowance. A huge amount of the allowances package goes to relatively few people.” (WO/M Acr)


Long Service Advance of Pay “Having received Long Service Advance of P


ay (for House Purchase), which I do not consider an interest free gift from my employer


I am annoyed that I am now being taxed for something that I have already earned having exceeded 22 years service. In addition, I feel the sum of £8,500 is insignificant in the current market and the more I hear about MP allowances for second homes, which run into tens of thousands, the more frustrated I get with the current allowances system for the Armed Services.” (WO/M Acr)


Excess Fares Allowances/Recompense in Lieu of Relocation/Residence to Place of Duty “I am disappointed that even with huge increases in the cost of fuel and food etc, our allowances such as HTD and SSSA have been frozen or increased by a level well below the actual price increases.” (Flt Lt)


Relative Incomes “P


ay is not my primary motivation for


continuing my Service career but it is a de-motivating factor


. All of my friends from ,


prior to my entry into the RAF are earning more than I am, despite having similar or worse qualifications, even taking living costs and pensions into account. As they accrue wealth for their families at a much greater rate, without the extra pressures of military life, I wonder if I'm being selfish by staying in the Service. My 22 year old partner


, straight out of


university from a 2:1 degree, is earning £12k a year more than I am despite my 10 years of service and 4 operational tours. And I’m not having an unsuccessful career – I’ve only just become eligible for promotion and even if I'm successful the 9% pay rise will change little in the above comparisons.” (Flt Lt)


State Benefits “


As a FS I am in the fortunate position of being


reasonably well paid for the work I do. I do however feel that some of the junior members of the Service are poorly paid and rely on state benefits to survive. This can also only serve to cause more strain, both financial and emotional, whilst a spouse is deployed to a potentially hostile area.” (FS)


“My wife lost out on 3 lots of child benefit because I served overseas and didn’t pay her NI ....PSF never informed me!!” (Chf T


ech) “


As a ‘wife of who had a good career before having to travel the world with my husband, I get rather annoyed at never being able to claim benefits after having to give up work due to moving. It is also very difficult to get a decent job as the employer knows that you may not stay for long.” (Cpl)


Issues Manager’s Note: If you have experienced problems claiming state benefits, such as Job Seekers Allowance, as a result of you accompanying your spouse/ partner on a posting, please let us know!


www.raf-families-federation.org.uk


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