Only 22 per cent of Army families are happy with their current financial situation according to a pay survey run by AFF with the Naval Families Federation and RAF Families Federation.
The tri-Service poll was run last autumn to provide evidence directly from military families to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body.
A total of 90 per cent of Army families who responded told us that they needed to make spending cuts in various areas of their lives, and 48 per cent had increased their level of debt over the previous 12 months.
Only 28 per cent of serving personnel across all three services were satisfied with their current rate of pay.
Two incomes ‘essential’
With the cost of living still significantly affecting families, survey respondents told us having two incomes was essential. But the strain that mobility places on Army family life can make it challenging for spouses or partners to gain employment.
One soldier said: “The pay package is not enough to live on as a single income family. The spouse needs to work now as well to achieve a decent standard of living. So the Army needs to accept that, to avoid a retention crisis, it needs to be more flexible in allowing the serving person to have regular childcare duties – for example, school drop-off. Either that or pay a significant amount more so families can live on one income again.”
Increase in debts
More than 76 per cent of respondents said they were cutting back on holidays and leisure activities, almost 70 per cent were spending less on groceries and essentials and 60 per cent travelled less so they could save on fuel and limit wear and tear on their vehicle.
Tri-Service figures revealed 48 per cent of those who took part had seen their debts increase and 32 per cent of families at Private to Corporal rank were receiving additional Government benefits such as Universal Credit.
POSTED ON 28 APRIL 2025
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