Member

In removing all involvement of the voluntary membership, the changes proposed in respect of the RFCAs in the Armed Forces Bill, by amending the Reserve Forces Act 1996, fly in the face of Prime Minister Burnham’s stated aim to push power down to the regions of the UK. The Permanent Secretary’s position as accounting officer requires him to have oversight of the funds allocated to the RFCAs. This accountability and financial authority is already in place, vested through a letter of delegation through the RFCAs’ chief executive. None of the things being done through the Armed Forces Bill—such as replacing the current board with unelected so-called independent people selected by Ministers, on advice, through the OCPA process, with no special commitment to the Reserve Forces and cadets—will do anything at all to improve the Permanent Secretary’s oversight of the funds, but they will do considerable damage to a large body of people who can advocate for defence in the regions and nations of the UK. I therefore support my noble friend’s objection to the clause and the schedule standing part.