The government has confirmed that this year’s armed forces pay award has not yet been announced but will be backdated to 1 April 2026 when it is finalised, the UK Defence Journal understands.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Louise Sandher-Jones provided the confirmation in response to two written questions from Cameron Thomas, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tewkesbury, tabled on 28 May. Thomas asked both when the 2026/27 pay figures would be announced and what steps were being taken to mitigate the impact of any delay on service personnel.
Sandher-Jones confirmed that the Armed Forces Pay Review Body has submitted its report and recommendations, saying the details of this year’s award “will be confirmed as soon as possible.” She added that “any pay award will be backdated to the start of the Armed Forces pay year on 1 April 2026.”
The minister did not provide a specific timeline for the announcement. In response to the question on mitigating the impact of any delay, Sandher-Jones pointed to broader government measures on service life rather than specific steps relating to the pay delay, citing the appointment of the first independent Armed Forces Commissioner, a new Defence Housing Strategy and a childcare scheme she said would save eligible forces families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year per child.
Armed forces pay is set annually through the Pay Review Body process, with independent bodies considering a range of evidence before submitting recommendations to government, which then confirms final settlements.
FFS just bloody pay them🤬
And when it is finally paid, will the government pay “Interest” on the back pay.
Yet another cluster and kick in the teeth for those who serve in the military.
Nope but you can be assured the tax will be deducted!