The Government has issued instructions to the various pay review bodies, including the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB), to commence their work for the 2024 pay round.

The Secretary of State's remit letter to the AFPRB Chair says that the nature of the "historically high" 2023-24 award should be taken into account, as well as "the Government's affordability position".

The letter also asks for the AFPRB recommendations "by May 2024".

Traditionally the Pay Review Body's report was expected in time for implementation from the start of the financial year at the beginning of April, but this has increasingly gone by the board, with pay awards then being backdated when they become available.