On 27 February 2014, Official Report, column 25WS, I announced in a written ministerial statement, the commencement of the triennial review of the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB). I am now pleased to announce the completion of the review.

The AFPRB plays an important role providing independent advice to the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary, and the review has concluded that the body remains fit for purpose, delivering relevant and beneficial functions for Defence, in an appropriate governance framework. The review report makes some minor recommendations to improve the governance arrangements for the AFPRB, which will be taken forward by the Department in conjunction with stakeholders across Government and with the AFPRB. The report also notes that as the management framework for dealing with service personnel issues within the Department undergoes significant change, the relationship with the AFPRB may also need to evolve over time.

The triennial review has been carried out with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders across the Defence community, including the AFPRB. I am grateful to all those who contributed to the review. The final review report has been placed in the Library of the House.