Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, is delighted that Defence Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, has announced the highest pay rise for the armed forces since 2007.

The lowest paid personnel will receive a 6% salary increase, which is an above inflation pay rise.

The Ministry of Defence has also accepted the Armed Force’s Pay Review Body’s recommendations of a 2.9% pay rise this financial year, which represents an annual increase of £995 in the average salary for personnel.

The basic pay for newly trained armed forces personnel will rise by £1,140, this increase means that after basic training, new and junior personnel will receive an annual salary of £20,000 a year.

Personnel also have access to subsided accommodation and non-contributory pensions.

Commenting, Caroline Dinenage said:

“I am very pleased that the Ministry of Defence has given our armed forces personnel this truly deserved pay rise. Our armed forces work tirelessly to protect and serve us, I am thankful that the Government has recognised and rewarded their efforts.

As the Gosport Constituency has a strong connection with the armed forces, I am sure this will be very welcome news to many.”

The annual pay award will be implemented in September’s salaries and will be backdated from April.

Penny Mordaunt, Defence Secretary, stated:

“No soldier, sailor, airman or woman should be asked to serve our country and not be properly rewarded, which is why I’m pleased we have accepted the pay review body’s recommendation for an above-inflation rise this year.

In order to attract and retain the best talent, we need to make sure even the lowest paid members of the armed forces receive an acceptable salary to live on.”