Reserve Forces
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many reserve service days will be offered to reservists in each remaining financial year of this Parliament.
Answered by Mr Calvin Bailey
Defence will continue to reprioritise budgets on routine basis to respond to changing demands on Armed Forces capabilities. This includes Reserve Service Days.
Reservists provide a crucial capability to Defence; the standard requirement for a part-time volunteer reservist in the Armed Forces, is to complete a range of training commitments, depending on the specific unit, to qualify for the annual tax-free training bounty.
Last month, the Government awarded a 3.6% increase to base pay, reflected in reserve daily rates. Additionally, as part of the award, several elements will also increase by 3.6%, which includes the Volunteer Reserves Training Bounty (from training year 2026-27) and Recruitment and Retention Payments.
People are at the heart of Defence. This Government is committed to our reserves personnel, recognising their dedication as defence demands grow.
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