politics
Opposition proposes tax-free reserve service funded by benefit cap
The party plans to use savings from reintroducing the two-child benefit cap to remove taxes on up to 30 days of reserve service per year. Officials say the change would help recruit an extra 18,000 reservists and bring total reserve strength to 50,000.
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The party pledged to make reserve service tax-free on up to 30 days per year. Officials said the measure would be paid for by reintroducing the two-child benefit cap. The proposal aims to increase the number of reservists by 18,000, reaching a total of 50,000.
Officials also expect the tax change to raise the share of reservists who complete required training days, which currently stands below half.
Funding and cost estimates The party stated that cutting taxes for reservists would cost up to £152 million. Savings from the benefit cap would also support recruitment of an additional 6,000 regular soldiers. Current figures show 32,030 people serving in the volunteer reserve as of April this year. The total has declined slightly from 32,420 recorded in April 2024.
Government response A government spokesperson said the party had reduced regular army size during its previous term in office. The same statement noted that current policy includes expanding strategic reserves and increasing joint training opportunities with regular forces.
