SERVICE PAY AND ALLOWANCES
This year families were asked to clarify which of the changes, implemented as part of the Allowances Review had affected them most. Perhaps, not surprisingly, nearly a quarter of voters were concerned at the changes to their entitlement to claim the Home to Duty (HTD) Allowance, while 22% were affected by the loss of the Incidental Expenditure Allowance (IEA). Many commented that they felt they were now expected to pay to attend mandatory courses and that there was little incentive to volunteer for additional training as this too would incur personal expense.
“The cut in allowances has led directly to our discounting an overseas tour. I am SICK of subsidising the RAF.”
“The erosion of allowances is just another push factor and short-sighted when considered against MP’s allowances.”
”The significant reduction in LOA removes a compensating factor for such instability and, often, the loss of the partner’s earnings that usually follows a move overseas.”
“I committed to a career in the RAF based on a set of assumptions (pension, pay, allowances etc). Those assumptions are now changing for the worse, seriously reducing goodwill and job benefits.”
“I think it is unfair that they have seriously cut the Home to Duty pay. We live in SFA about 15 miles from my husband’s place of work. This therefore makes him out of pocket on fuel and car running costs versus someone housed much closer.”
“Changes to CEA, as well as pensions, have driven my decision to leave the Service at my next exit date.”
“There are ways the allowances could be tweaked. For example, LOA should not be linked to rank – cost of living should be the same for anyone. If a sgt can survive on x so should a gp capt. If entertainment is a consideration then an entertainment budget should be allocated. Cigarettes and alcohol should not be factored in. And don’t get me started on flying pay for those not flying...”
“The reduction in allowances have made it very difficult for Service personnel to go on detachment/ops as most find it difficult to cover costs and seems to be the main worry and talking point every time.”
“The bitterest and most unpleasant cut that the MoD has made was in the changes to CEA. When you go after our children you go too far.”
“I was recently sent on a course for 4 weeks which was 60+ miles away and ended up being £150 out of pocket (a big impact on my monthly family budget). It’s okay though because I have 14% X-Factor to cover this inconvenience…I think it’s time I left the RAF!”
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www.raf-ff.org.uk
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