Military personnel and their households within the United Kingdom have increasingly turned to food banks as a result of rising price of living and excessive inflation rates, according to Sky News. One such meals financial institution, initially arrange by an aviator to help the space people, is now being utilized by Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Unexplained and interviews with navy sources and charities reveal the extent of the crisis, with some service members having to determine on between food or fuel and others unable to afford travel to see their families.
The cost of residing disaster has affected all branches of the Armed Forces, with service members from the Royal Navy and the Army additionally experiencing hardships. A Royal Navy supply mentioned the Ministry of Defence is trying to supply extra support, similar to assistance with childcare costs, however extra needs to be accomplished.
One nameless quote in an RAF morale evaluation report acknowledged, “The food bank is in style.” The report additionally revealed that RAF Benson in South Oxfordshire and RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire have the best use of meals banks. The total findings of the report indicated that cost of residing pressures and poor military accommodation have been the primary elements negatively impacting morale.
Pay is one other factor contributing to the financial strain on army personnel, particularly with rising inflation. The Armed Forces Pay Review Body, an independent physique, makes annual recommendations to the government on military pay will increase. However, the Ministry of Defence has not but announced this year’s pay settlement, which has been described by one RAF aviator as “an annual gamble.”
Sarah Atherton MP, an Army veteran and member of the Commons Defence Select Committee, called for a 10% pay rise for the navy in line with inflation. Military charities such as the RAF Benevolent Fund have stepped in to assist, with enquiries for monetary assistance from serving personnel more than doubling last yr compared to 2021.
In response to questions about the value of residing and meals banks, an RAF spokesperson stated: “The food financial institution at RAF Coningsby was not arrange by the RAF for its personnel, and the RAF offers a variety of support, such as welfare officers who can supply monetary advice and entry to fuel grants and hardship funds provided by the RAF, and supporting charities and associations.”