Boarding School Allowance under Review
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What may happen is that BSA will be cut back so that it returns to it's original idea - to provide continuity of education for children who's parents are subject to frequent moves around the county or internationally, and where both parents are required to relocate - not just where the Serviceperson gets a draft/posting order, the partner stays in their current location, and the child is packed off to boarding school. What has happened over the years is that many people have abused the system to put their children into boarding school for the minimum time, then removed them to a local day school at public expense, which was never the intention. In addition, the allowance may be restricted to certain schools (again, the original idea) that are approved by the Forces Education people. The fees would be standardised (rather than ramped up to what the schools know they can get away with claiming), and the potential for fraud would be removed - BSA is one of the highest-grossing areas of fraud in the Forces, ranging from false bills, inflated bills, and in at least one case that I know, collusion and production of a bill for a child for two years after that child had left the school and returned to the public sector!
If people weren't abusing the system, then it would not be an open target for changes and reductions. Look at how many of the people who have their children in BSA-attracting schools have them there purely for the snob-factor of sending their children into private education rather than those who are genuinely away on postings. The RN is specatcularly bad for this, with a sea-going draft attracting the ability to apply for BSA, even though once the 2/3 year sea draft is over, and the wife stays at home, the BSA entitlement is continuing.
If people weren't abusing the system, then it would not be an open target for changes and reductions. Look at how many of the people who have their children in BSA-attracting schools have them there purely for the snob-factor of sending their children into private education rather than those who are genuinely away on postings. The RN is specatcularly bad for this, with a sea-going draft attracting the ability to apply for BSA, even though once the 2/3 year sea draft is over, and the wife stays at home, the BSA entitlement is continuing.
Red On, Green On
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I'll freely admit that I'm a product of BSA. My RN-serving father (from 1952 to 1987) got BSA despite the fact that my parents only moved house once (all of two miles) from my birth to well after my sister left school. My father never served outside UK except when at sea.
I was at boarding school 15 miles from home for my last five years at school.
I was at boarding school 15 miles from home for my last five years at school.
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Face it chaps, with the demise of frequent onward moves (and yeah I know someone will reply with a long list of nine month postings) the BSA is somewhat out of date.
It's simply the MOD coming in line with many other employers and offering the bare minimum. Housing will be next, then domestic medical care.
It's simply the MOD coming in line with many other employers and offering the bare minimum. Housing will be next, then domestic medical care.
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tread carefully
As a parent with children in Boarding School I read the attached article and am inevitably concerned about what the future will bring. My story is simple:
- 4 years ago my wife and I finally committed ourselves beyond my 38yr point. I would remain in the RAF as long as the MOD wants and subject to family harmony.
- The next challenge was to satisfy family harmony; we saw 3 options available to us (others may see more or less)
1. Move our family around as I get posted.
2. Settle my family in one location and commute for the remainder of my career.
3. Give my children stability of education whilst the family remain mobile during posting.
Our children were consulted and supported option 3 having already moved school 3 times within 3 years before they were 10. My wife and I did not want to spend potentially the best part of 17+ years seperated during the week or continually move our children from school to school (and during term time due to DHA regulations limiting the right to retain SFA until the end of the school year). We therefore chose option 3 and have not looked back since. The children are going back to school, today for the star of what will be their 5th year in the same school, with the same friends and teachers. My wife, children and I have lived together wherever I have been posted.
Our Armed Forces have been undergoing a steady reconfiguring towards expeditionary operations for several years now. Couple this change with downsizing and an increased committment to deployed operations, every Serviceman or Servicewoman can now expect to be deployed overseas - in the short term this may be in excess of the harmony guidelines. The stability we have experienced over the past 4 years has been a fundamental part of my ability to focus on my career and, on the flip side, what the Service gets out of me.
Over this period I have been posted 4 times and on all occasions a house move was required. If we had chosen option 1 our children would have had a further 4 school moves on top of the 3 they had already experienced.
What would we have done without access to CEA? We wouldn't have chosen option 1 - that I can say for certain. We would have been left with the option of commuting. In the short term we would have coped. However, I can say with some considerable certainty that an additional option would come into consideration - leaving the Service to live with my family.
I am quietly confident that the hierarchy within the Forces understand the fundamental retention factor CEA brings. From my point of view a review would be welcome if the remit was to target the allowance on those who are truly mobile (both within the UK and overseas). I would suggest that to reduce the amount or remove it would impact on the retention of high calibre committed Servicemen/women willing to give their career to the Armed Forces. The MOD will be aware of the impact and accept the consequences.
Q -SuperMOBs/Garrisons will eliminate the need for CEA as families will settle in that area? I believe this is a flawed argument as mobility will be required as careers progress and children reach teh age where educational stability is a strong family requirement. JSF will be based in Lossie, Typhoon in Leuchars and CGY. The ISTAR fleet at WAD and the AT/AAR fleet at BZN. All (bar BZN) are not within commutable distance to MOD. The choice of HWY as the future Centre of gravity for the RAF puts HQ postings outside commuting distance etc etc PJHQ, JFACC, CAOC9, Joint posts in Land, Div HQ, Fleet
I hope this review is undertaken without a preconceived outcome and supports continued family stability for those of us committed to the Services and who want to live with their spouses more than at the weekend.
CEA for those who are truly mobile.
CEA for boarders.
- 4 years ago my wife and I finally committed ourselves beyond my 38yr point. I would remain in the RAF as long as the MOD wants and subject to family harmony.
- The next challenge was to satisfy family harmony; we saw 3 options available to us (others may see more or less)
1. Move our family around as I get posted.
2. Settle my family in one location and commute for the remainder of my career.
3. Give my children stability of education whilst the family remain mobile during posting.
Our children were consulted and supported option 3 having already moved school 3 times within 3 years before they were 10. My wife and I did not want to spend potentially the best part of 17+ years seperated during the week or continually move our children from school to school (and during term time due to DHA regulations limiting the right to retain SFA until the end of the school year). We therefore chose option 3 and have not looked back since. The children are going back to school, today for the star of what will be their 5th year in the same school, with the same friends and teachers. My wife, children and I have lived together wherever I have been posted.
Our Armed Forces have been undergoing a steady reconfiguring towards expeditionary operations for several years now. Couple this change with downsizing and an increased committment to deployed operations, every Serviceman or Servicewoman can now expect to be deployed overseas - in the short term this may be in excess of the harmony guidelines. The stability we have experienced over the past 4 years has been a fundamental part of my ability to focus on my career and, on the flip side, what the Service gets out of me.
Over this period I have been posted 4 times and on all occasions a house move was required. If we had chosen option 1 our children would have had a further 4 school moves on top of the 3 they had already experienced.
What would we have done without access to CEA? We wouldn't have chosen option 1 - that I can say for certain. We would have been left with the option of commuting. In the short term we would have coped. However, I can say with some considerable certainty that an additional option would come into consideration - leaving the Service to live with my family.
I am quietly confident that the hierarchy within the Forces understand the fundamental retention factor CEA brings. From my point of view a review would be welcome if the remit was to target the allowance on those who are truly mobile (both within the UK and overseas). I would suggest that to reduce the amount or remove it would impact on the retention of high calibre committed Servicemen/women willing to give their career to the Armed Forces. The MOD will be aware of the impact and accept the consequences.
Q -SuperMOBs/Garrisons will eliminate the need for CEA as families will settle in that area? I believe this is a flawed argument as mobility will be required as careers progress and children reach teh age where educational stability is a strong family requirement. JSF will be based in Lossie, Typhoon in Leuchars and CGY. The ISTAR fleet at WAD and the AT/AAR fleet at BZN. All (bar BZN) are not within commutable distance to MOD. The choice of HWY as the future Centre of gravity for the RAF puts HQ postings outside commuting distance etc etc PJHQ, JFACC, CAOC9, Joint posts in Land, Div HQ, Fleet
I hope this review is undertaken without a preconceived outcome and supports continued family stability for those of us committed to the Services and who want to live with their spouses more than at the weekend.
CEA for those who are truly mobile.
CEA for boarders.
Last edited by 99redballoons; 30th Aug 2006 at 09:38. Reason: Changing colour and reflecting previous unseen reply
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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.
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.
Hellbound
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TR - you are right, in the main, the number of moves people will be subjected to should reduce. If we could look at 5-year tours then with a bit of career management (Did I really write that) most schooling could be sorted without the need to pack the kids off for stability of education. However, there are those trades (mine included) that will always move on every 2-3 years, which is fairly crap for education purposes. There are 3 solutions to that:
1. Move your kids anyway, and hope they can continue with the same subjects at the school they are allowed to go to.
2. Set up a family home somewhere and live away from them so that they have stability. (Would not work for my family...).
3. Send them away to school so they get a fairly decent and continuous education.
With this decision some years away for me yet, when I look at it, I will not do 1 or 2 and if 3 is unaffordable because they take away the help, then I guess I will leave at an option and provide stability that way. I don't think I will be the only one.
1. Move your kids anyway, and hope they can continue with the same subjects at the school they are allowed to go to.
2. Set up a family home somewhere and live away from them so that they have stability. (Would not work for my family...).
3. Send them away to school so they get a fairly decent and continuous education.
With this decision some years away for me yet, when I look at it, I will not do 1 or 2 and if 3 is unaffordable because they take away the help, then I guess I will leave at an option and provide stability that way. I don't think I will be the only one.
TAC Int Bloke
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I objected to the way the news was spun - as if BSA was a perk exclusive for officer's children- divisive bullsh*t and an attempt to use the 'class war' card to wave through another cut in terms and conditions
Edited for ‘unusual’ spelling – on a tread like this too
Edited for ‘unusual’ spelling – on a tread like this too
Last edited by Maple 01; 30th Aug 2006 at 13:48. Reason: I didn’t go to a Boarding school
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As for the super-garrisons....horrible thought. The MOD are looking at LSAP for all (the anticipated rise in amount was knocked back by the Treasury, but expect to see it up for proposal again), which encourages people to get away from military "towns" and into their own accommodation.
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As for the "middle ranking", this is purely because demographically the "middle ranking" are the ones that are married with children of school age!
The panicking schools are obviously aware of the proposal to restrict the permitted schools to a selected handful, and they can see some very easy money being taken away from them - don't forget that the fees only form about 80% of the overall income - when you start adding extras, uniforms, "compulsory" purchases, etc, then it really can mount up!
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Nail hit squarely on head.
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Bit risky with the impending release of JPA to the Dark Blue. Could be tempting to jump from said bridge......
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I find myself a bit concerned about the way the figures being reported. The £100.2 Million seems to be the amount allocated, it is about £13000 per child per year, which is, I think, the annual cap. I have 2 children attending a large boarding school in Norfolk and claim a bit less than that for the two of them. Those of you who know the school will be well aware that a lot of the pupils there are under CEA rules.
The posts regarding mobility are of course correct, I am currently in the middle of moving my family home, and what a game that has turned out to be. It should also be borne in mind that as servicemen we tend to go where we are told, outside in the civilian world one tends to be instrumental in making a decision as to where one settles or moves to for a job, and very few people would willingly commute from one of the country to the other. Very few of us could afford to settle in a decent part of the High Wycombe area, fewer still in Whitehall land. Throw in disruption and differences in curriculum for Scotland or Wales and the the desk officer or drafter who needs a post filled now with a high calibre person with your qualifications and tough about the school situation, and it will be the family that suffers.
Equivalence with the civ population is a good aspiration but it is going to be a blooming difficult to achieve until we start to advertise jobs internally.
The CEA has undoubtedly been instrumental in my career choice. I suppose those of you who are aware of fraudulent claims have reported their suspicions up the chain?
Better stop, getting wound up.
The posts regarding mobility are of course correct, I am currently in the middle of moving my family home, and what a game that has turned out to be. It should also be borne in mind that as servicemen we tend to go where we are told, outside in the civilian world one tends to be instrumental in making a decision as to where one settles or moves to for a job, and very few people would willingly commute from one of the country to the other. Very few of us could afford to settle in a decent part of the High Wycombe area, fewer still in Whitehall land. Throw in disruption and differences in curriculum for Scotland or Wales and the the desk officer or drafter who needs a post filled now with a high calibre person with your qualifications and tough about the school situation, and it will be the family that suffers.
Equivalence with the civ population is a good aspiration but it is going to be a blooming difficult to achieve until we start to advertise jobs internally.
The CEA has undoubtedly been instrumental in my career choice. I suppose those of you who are aware of fraudulent claims have reported their suspicions up the chain?
Better stop, getting wound up.
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I find myself a bit concerned about the way the figures being reported. The £100.2 Million seems to be the amount allocated, it is about £13000 per child per year, which is, I think, the annual cap. I have 2 children attending a large boarding school in Norfolk and claim a bit less than that for the two of them. Those of you who know the school will be well aware that a lot of the pupils there are under CEA rules.
The posts regarding mobility are of course correct, I am currently in the middle of moving my family home, and what a game that has turned out to be. It should also be borne in mind that as servicemen we tend to go where we are told, outside in the civilian world one tends to be instrumental in making a decision as to where one settles or moves to for a job, and very few people would willingly commute from one of the country to the other. Very few of us could afford to settle in a decent part of the High Wycombe area, fewer still in Whitehall land. Throw in disruption and differences in curriculum for Scotland or Wales and the the desk officer or drafter who needs a post filled now with a high calibre person with your qualifications and tough about the school situation, and it will be the family that suffers.
Equivalence with the civ population is a good aspiration but it is going to be a blooming difficult to achieve until we start to advertise jobs internally.
The CEA has undoubtedly been instrumental in my career choice. I suppose those of you who are aware of fraudulent claims have reported their suspicions up the chain?
Better stop, getting wound up.
The posts regarding mobility are of course correct, I am currently in the middle of moving my family home, and what a game that has turned out to be. It should also be borne in mind that as servicemen we tend to go where we are told, outside in the civilian world one tends to be instrumental in making a decision as to where one settles or moves to for a job, and very few people would willingly commute from one of the country to the other. Very few of us could afford to settle in a decent part of the High Wycombe area, fewer still in Whitehall land. Throw in disruption and differences in curriculum for Scotland or Wales and the the desk officer or drafter who needs a post filled now with a high calibre person with your qualifications and tough about the school situation, and it will be the family that suffers.
Equivalence with the civ population is a good aspiration but it is going to be a blooming difficult to achieve until we start to advertise jobs internally.
The CEA has undoubtedly been instrumental in my career choice. I suppose those of you who are aware of fraudulent claims have reported their suspicions up the chain?
Better stop, getting wound up.
The trade off is deciding whether to move families to follow us, or to leave them in one location. The RN tends to have a high proportion of private house buyers, the Army tends to keep the families on camp. The trouble with Ed Allowances is that it can be abused by those who don't actually move but take advantage of what could be perceived as a loophole in the rules to establish an entitlement to an allowance that they simply don't need. In one particular case, perfectly legal, the husband and wife live three miles from the boarding school - in which case you have to ask what is the point of having children? I chose family stability above my need to have them move with me every couple of years. As such, my wife has a job, my children have stayed with their friends and attended public sector schools with them. It seems to have worked quite well....considering that in the last 20 years I have had 20 different postings ranging from Plymouth to Scotland!
I think we all accept that in some cases the Ed Allowances are essential to provide educational stability for continuity of education, but scrutiny of the cases should be more stringent. One posting, seven years ago, should not be the basis of a continuing claim!
Worry not folks-the ONLY reason the Armed Forces have retained BSA for this long is because Foreign and Commonwealth personnel get it. The time to worry is when, and if, it is announced that F&C are to lose it and I very much doubt that will ever happen.
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I too am also a product of the BSA, and have just finished 7 years of secondary school and further education.
Many of the students who attended the boarding school had parents in the forces, including the Chapmans. The main reason I chose to attend the school was incase my father was posted overseas (well the real reason was the name- HINT- its near Yeovilton [Bruton]
).
Many of the students who attended the boarding school had parents in the forces, including the Chapmans. The main reason I chose to attend the school was incase my father was posted overseas (well the real reason was the name- HINT- its near Yeovilton [Bruton]
).
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I would be surprised if there are that many people in receipt of BSA/CEA in the RAF who are serving unaccompanied. Everytime I apply I have to certify that I am accompanied at current location (under JPA I have to present myself to the Chief Clerk with proof!). However, I know there are some who get away with it because of the inability of the Service to co-locate them.
I would admit that BSA is a significant factor in my retention. I reckon it's worth about £42K per year to me, but costs me an additional £8-10K as my contribution plus additional costs.
My youngest son is 9 and has so far attended 4 different schools. He will enter his fifth next week, but this time it will be for a full 4 years as he is going to Brandeston Hall in Suffolk. He is looking forward to sharing his classroom with considerably fewer than 40 children (as per his last school!). He may even learn a thing or two.
I accept that in my position I am going to get moved about every 3 years, but one of the reasons I accept this is because of the BSA/CEA. My immediate concern is that the bolleaux that is JPA seems unlikely to pay me on time - I guess I will be begging the Chief Clerk for a cheque this Friday. I hope she's got funds in the bank!
STH
I would admit that BSA is a significant factor in my retention. I reckon it's worth about £42K per year to me, but costs me an additional £8-10K as my contribution plus additional costs.
My youngest son is 9 and has so far attended 4 different schools. He will enter his fifth next week, but this time it will be for a full 4 years as he is going to Brandeston Hall in Suffolk. He is looking forward to sharing his classroom with considerably fewer than 40 children (as per his last school!). He may even learn a thing or two.
I accept that in my position I am going to get moved about every 3 years, but one of the reasons I accept this is because of the BSA/CEA. My immediate concern is that the bolleaux that is JPA seems unlikely to pay me on time - I guess I will be begging the Chief Clerk for a cheque this Friday. I hope she's got funds in the bank!
STH
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Face it chaps, with the demise of frequent onward moves (and yeah I know someone will reply with a long list of nine month postings) the BSA is somewhat out of date.
It's simply the MOD coming in line with many other employers and offering the bare minimum. Housing will be next, then domestic medical care.
It's simply the MOD coming in line with many other employers and offering the bare minimum. Housing will be next, then domestic medical care.
Some airmen are static for practically their whole careers but like aircrew on type there is still the possibility of a posting. It is that possibility which is the key to the need for continuity of education bit.
How you handle the abuse is the issue. Maybe the number of school age brats should be considered by the poster too.
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What a lot of claptrap some are posting here. "Demise of frequent moves" - rubbish. The key point is, how do you know on receipt of one posting notice when your next move might be? I may not move for quite a long time, but my poster has not, and will not, issue me a letter stating that I will not be moved until my children have completed their current stage of education; how could he? fortunately, he takes the reasonable view that, so long as I declare myself mobile and available for posting, it is just my good fortune if he happens to have no need to post me (by the way, how do you declare yourself immobile and continue serving - I can't see that working). I do my best to honour the eligibility criteria, and even occupy SFA at my duty station rather than sell my house (200 miles away) and buy in the locaql area. My children have to accept, and do, that if I am posted they will have to return to boarding rather than move with us.
In what way am I being fraudulent?
If there are those who genuinely abuse the system root them out, don't waste your energy slinging mud at those of us who are eligible and want to protect our kids education against the vagaries of Service life!
Regards
Ginseng
In what way am I being fraudulent?
If there are those who genuinely abuse the system root them out, don't waste your energy slinging mud at those of us who are eligible and want to protect our kids education against the vagaries of Service life!
Regards
Ginseng