MQ rates are already being revised up in line with civilian rates, as are linvnig-in rates to reflect the investment made under Single Living Accommodation builds. The MOD is essentially a consumer-driven company now, accountable through finance and scrutiny for best-value. We are having to look outside at civilian companies and consider how we can bring ourselves into line with their best practice (which occasionally also comes with the "best price" tag as well). JPA is a step towards blunt-end rationalisation - over time, the blunt end will become more like a civilian support company with outsourced and cheap labour, with the sharp end/teeth being the end which gets the majority of the support and finances.
Many changes are taking place, from Estate Reviews to remuneration packages, all with the view of making the Armed Forces a leaner organisation (ie cheaper). The RN freely admits that it has adopted a "more work, less people" strategy with the TLB merger, and the superfluous manpower is being shaved off - desk officers are expected to do their own admin, for example, which actually makes sense. The only problem will be deciding where the stop the razorblade of cost-saving before it cuts too deep into the essential military muscle.