ALL cadet units will have their infrastructure and running costs funded by the Government, the Defence Secretary has announced.
Following a consultation into future funding of the Combined Cadet Forces, the Defence Secretary has decided to maintain the existing funding model and also to apply it to schools setting up new units under the Cadet Expansion Programme. Ministers considered carefully the consultation responses and have decided that the Ministry of Defence will fund both Adult Volunteer remuneration and the Contingent Grant, and will not introduce a charge for running costs. This will create a fair and equitable model between new and legacy schools and help bring the benefits of cadets to as many young people as possible.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Cadet Forces offer young people the chance to develop essential skills and CCF units play an important role in providing this experience in schools. I’m pleased to announce that all school cadet units will receive the funding they need to make this opportunity available across the country.”
Paul Luker, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “The cadets provide fantastic opportunities for young people and the initiative to expand their number was greatly welcomed by the cadet community. It was therefore important for the Ministry of Defence to consult on the possible changes to CCF funding, and it is enormously reassuring that they have listened fully to the feedback received. The funding model announced today will allow the cadets forces to move from strength to strength, and I very much welcome the Secretary of State’s determination to bring the cadet experience to more young people across the country.”
100 new cadet units are on track to open in state schools by September 2015 and they will benefit from £2.3m of additional funding. In addition, the government is undertaking a mapping exercise of schools and community cadet units to identify areas for further expansion.
Cadet units in schools provide students with the opportunity to participate in challenging and enjoyable activities, as well as the chance to develop valuable new life skills and preparing them to play an active part in the community.