Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,961–1,980 of 2,781 · Ministry of Defence
How many Substitute Service Family Accommodation properties are in use in the United Kingdom.
As of 28 March 2025, 174 Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) properties are in use in the United Kingdom. The cost of SSFA for financial year 2024-25 is £1.28 million. Information regarding the annual cost of SSFA by region is not held.
What the entitlement requirements are for an application to live in Substitute Service Family Accommodation.
When Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is unavailable on assignment to a new duty unit, Service personnel who are married and accompanied by their family, registered in a civil partnership, a lone single parent, or are married unaccompanied fulfilling certain key appointments are entitled to apply for Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) broadly equivalent to SFA entitlement. SSFA is provided by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) contractor responsible for sourcing suitable properties from the commercial rental market, subject to the following criteria: The applicant must be entitled to SFA in accordance with MOD regulations;The MOD contractor must have issued a non-availability certificate in respect of the applicant;They expect to occupy the property for a minimum of six months.
With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, when he plans to achieve his target for major platforms to have an average of two years to contract.
The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, drive productivity and secure the best possible value for money, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.A timescale for practical application of a segmented approach to procurement will be developed in consultation with industry and closely integrated with implementation of wider defence reforms, the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy.
With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, whether he plans to set a formal target for end to end procurement time for major platforms.
The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director. These reforms will enable the end-to-end procurement approach to be tailored according to the nature of each programme, delivering capability into the hands of the war fighter more quickly to maintain operational advantage. As set out in the Spring Statement, the department will set targets for time to contract as part of its new segmented approach to procurement. While larger, complex platforms, such as those in the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will often take longer to deliver, we will look for opportunities to drive pace at every stage of the acquisition process.
What steps he is taking to accelerate the in service date of the DragonFire system on Royal Navy vessels during the period after 2027.
The Ministry of Defence has committed to accelerating DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) into operational capability by equipping four Navy Destroyers with this world leading system, starting in 2027. By doing this we are bringing laser technology to the Navy around five years faster than previously planned, which will protect our Armed Forces, and let us learn by doing, helping us to make continual improvements on areas like integration, software, and overall lethality. These learnings will support development of both the DragonFire system, and the choices we make on future DEW capabilities. As announced in the Spring Statement, additional funding for Defence will be directed toward advancing technology including guaranteeing the in service date for DragonFire. This approach to transitioning novel technology into capability is an example of how we are ensuring we translate the UK’s technological strengths into operational advantage at pace.
Whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the RAF.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) does not currently offer an internship programme similar to the Army Officer Internship Scheme. However, there are a number of programmes that provide an insight to RAF life such as University Air Squadrons and through work experience placements for students aged 16 and over who are in full-time education. There are also a number of bursaries available to support those planning a career in the RAF.
With reference to the Spring Statement on 26 March 2025, whether the £13.4 billion increase in defence spending announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 will go ahead.
The Government has set out its clear commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2027, and to 3% of GDP in the next parliament as fiscal and economic conditions allow. When the Prime Minister announced the uplift to 2.5%, he was clear that comparing total NATO qualifying defence spending in 2024-25 with 2027-28 was an uplift of £13.4 billion. The new OBR forecast means that this figure has increased to £14.2 billion.
What the cost to the public purse will be of the defence reform model.
Defence Reform is delivering meaningful change through a phased approach over the course of this parliament to reform Defence. However, it is too early to capture the required level of investment in this programme of work, which we expect will deliver net benefits through changes such as more efficient procurement processes, including a reduction in waste. A temporary team was established in Autumn 2024 to lead Defence Reform activity. The team is expected to continue for the duration of the transformation work, and resource and budget will flex to meet the requirements of the programme. A Written Ministerial Statement setting out the key areas and features of Defence Reform was released to the House today.
With reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report and his Department's press release entitled Government buys back 36,347 military homes to improve housing for forces families and save taxpayers billions, published on 17 December 2024, how much of the additional funding for defence will be spent on the agreement with Annington Homes in 2025-26.
The Annington agreement was partially funded through eliminating liabilities associated with the leases to create budgetary headroom. The remaining £1.7 billion required in 2024-25 was funded by His Majesty’s Treasury at the time of purchase. None of the additional funding for Defence as announced in the Spring Statement will be used to fund the Annington agreement.
How many business cases relating to procurement of new equipment or capabilities that have been submitted by his Department are currently awaiting approval by (a) HM Treasury and (b) Cabinet Office.
At the time of writing, the Ministry of Defence currently has eight business cases with His Majesty's Treasury, and seven cases with the Cabinet Office awaiting approval.
How many people have subsequently joined the Regular Army after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.
This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
How many people have completed a (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
What the maximum capacity is of the Army Officer Internship programme.
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
How many service personnel are enrolled on the Army Officer Internship programme.
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
With reference to the Spring Statement on 26 March 2025, how the £2.2bn for financial year 2025-26 will be spent by his Department.
The £2.2 billion will support the Government in building a modern and resilient Armed Forces, including by enhancing the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies, allowing investment in advanced technology such as Directed Energy Weapons, and refurbishing the defence estate to provide our military families with the homes they deserve. We will also establish the UK Defence Innovation, to help secure competitive advantage whilst driving wider growth.
What remuneration package comes with the Army Officer Internship programme.
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
Whether the Army still offers a Gap Year Commission.
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
How many people have applied for an (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, providing individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after university. The department does not hold data related to applications for the entire period requested. Applications for the Army Officer Internship Programme commencing from September 2022 onwards are as follows: YearApplications2022196202315620241022025120
How many procurement orders have been submitted by his Department for approval by (a) HM Treasury and (b) Cabinet Office since 5th July 2024 for a value of (i) over £1 million, (ii) £500,000-1 million, (iii) under £500,000.
From 5 July 2024 to date, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has submitted 39 business cases to His Majesty's Treasury (HMT) and 68 to the Cabinet Office, all of which were for expenditure over £1 million. As regards approvals by HMT, it is important to note that only those business cases relating to programmes with whole life costs above MOD’s Delegated Authorisation Levels (DAL) require HMT approval. These levels are as follows: £1 billion CDEL or £800 million RDEL for Equipment or Service Provision programmes, £250 million (either DEL) for Information & Communications Technology programmes, and £100 million (either DEL) for Infrastructure programmes. All programmes within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise have a DAL of £1billion.Therefore, all business cases below these thresholds are approved internally within MOD.
Whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the Royal Navy.
Neither the Royal Navy (RN) nor Royal Marines (RM) currently offer an Officer Internship scheme similar to the Army. However, the RN does offer several different schemes such as A-Level Scholarships, Accelerated Apprenticeship Schemes, Defence Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Schemes and Cadetship Entry. All of these give generous annual bursary payments and the opportunity to complete Naval Service training every year alongside their studies.