Armed Forces told that ‘end of austerity’ does not mean pay levels are set to surge

By Anna Mikhailova Political correspondent

SOLDIERS should not expect higher pay rises, despite the Government declaring that the “age of austerity” was over, Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, has warned, while admitting this was “not ideal”.

Doctors and senior civil servants are also not in line for improved pay.

Ministers have given their pay review recommendations for 2019-2020, and the Defence, Health and Cabinet secretaries all stress that departments should bear in mind “affordability” when considering pay rises.

In a letter to the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body, Mr Williamson said: “The Government is seeking to continue the approach adopted in the 2018-19 pay round. I recognise that this is not ideal. Affordability will remain a major consideration for the Ministry of Defence.”

The news comes despite Theresa May, the Prime Minister, and Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, declaring that austerity is “over”.

Mr Williamson has clashed with the Treasury over defence funding. In 2018-19 the Armed Forces received a below inflation 2 per cent pay rise, plus a 0.9 per cent one-off payment.

An MOD spokesman said: “We are seeking a positive pay rise that recognises the difficult and dangerous job the Armed Forces do.”

Meanwhile, David Lidington, Mrs May’s de facto deputy, wrote to the Senior Salaries Review Body for civil servants saying that he expects “affordability to be a critical part of your consideration when determining final awards” in the next pay review.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, also emphasised the need to focus on restraint when determining pay rises for doctors and dentists.