§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the position for reservists who live alone and, on being called up by the Ministry of Defence, are forced to leave their property unoccupied for an extended period, thereby breaking the terms of their household insurance agreement. [HL1444]
§ Lord BachProlonged absence from a property should be notified to the property insurer, which may require additional security measures to be taken as a condition of continued insurance cover. There may also be an increase in insurance premium and/or an increased excess payable by the insured in the event of a claim. To compensate personnel, regardless of marital status, for the effects of separation from home life, reservists who meet the eligibility criteria receive longer separated service allowance (LSSA) or (for those serving seagoing units) longer service at sea bonus (LSSB). These are payable at three rates (basic, middle and higher) dependent on periods of accumulated separation (for LSSA) or length of sea service in qualifying units (for LSSB). In addition, when called-out, reservists are paid the full X-factor, which is an additional 13 per cent. of their basic pay. The X-factor takes account of the relative disadvantages of conditions of service experienced by members of the Armed Forces compared with those in civilian life.