Give with one, take away from other
This is merely a vote grabbing idea and has no service welfare aspects to it whatsoever.
Des Browne concentrated on how well off the Squaddie would be with this payment rather than having his pay tax free like our allies.
Where as what he really meant was this payment would be cheaper for the government if it was a flat rate because the high tax payers still pay 40% tax.
Good for squadies, and bloody cheap option for Government.