HL Deb 27 July 1999 vol 604 cc182-3WA
The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have refined their plans in respect of the Armed Forces pay system (Pay 2000); and, if so, what is the outcome. [HL3745]

Lord Gilbert

The key principles underpinning the development of a new pay structure for the Armed Forces were set out in 1997 in MoD's formal response to Sir Michael Bett's Independent Review of the Armed Forces Manpower, Career and Remuneration Structure. Development work on the new pay structure, building on those principles, is now well advanced. Transition arrangements have been made for those in service to transfer to the new pay structure. Final details of the new system are dependent upon the results of current testing and evaluation. The new system will offer a simpler and more flexible approach than the present pay arrangements and the benefits will include an incremental system for Other Ranks which will replace the existing spot rates of pay at each rank. The move to a new pay structure is fully supported by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. We plan to introduce the new pay system on 1 April 2000 for most regulars and in April 2001 for Reserves and certain specialist groups.