It’s explicitly written into the working hours/ minimum wage law that it is not pay.
And some use the VA to buy kit so they can provide a service, not every cfav are on high wages. Due to the spectrum of staff they are a host of reasons why people will or will not be concerned with the VA chamge. Ultimately by definition its an allowance not an entitlement, therefore those of us thatvuse the VA tobfund RAFAC activities may ironically just have to pass the cost on to the RAFAC
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This is where I can see it going: an allowance based on the cost of volunteering (not on rank or time).
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Rank doesn’t necessarily equal responsibility especially when it comes to activities which actually attract VA.
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Ultimately I won’t be swallowing any of the little expenses that I (and most staff) always have, the treasurer will be getting a receipt for everything.
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VA also I suspect in many cases helps to keep the Domestic CoS on side, when the CFAV is giving time to other peoples’ children in many cases.
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Very much so, if I do an OT shift at work I take home significantly more than a days VA so if I’m giving up a Saturday to work OC Home Command will quite fairly suggest that the time apart from her could be more profitably spent at work earning money.
Considering that post deductions a days VA is going to be about £40 (which probably covers my lunch and a few beers at the end of the day), not much of a case to put to the boss.
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This is largely my problem, justifying the time away will become a bigger issue, especially the week long camps etc.
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For me VA is a nice “sweetener” for the better half, the deal between my wife and I, is that I can do however many days I like but after my expenses (mess bills etc) she uses the remaining balance how she likes. Although to be fair the last few years its been used towards a holiday or Christmas presents but she appreciates it, as a week away and usually a few weekends as a civilian although nothing like a 4-6 month “war tour” it is similar to an exercise/commitment that some regulars/reservists are deployed on in time length.
You understand that feeds into TK’s position of reducing it in order “ensure volunteers are volunteering”, right?
When I joined CCF in 2003, the pay was definitely referred to as ‘Paid Training Days’ or PTDs. But, that could have already been old terminology by then; I can’t remember if it was explicitly Pay.
I broadly support payment by role not rank (e.g. when I did my DCCT course I as a Sqn Ldr got paid more than the Flt Lt running it) but that needs to go with an explicit list of what counts. I’d definitely include Camp Comdt for station camps in that. Maybe though they need to look at what activities are suffering.
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Looking forward to the point of breaking even after paying out for uniform! Most of which only gets used a few times a year. I am happy to “volunteer” for the day trips escorting to AEF, Airshows, Wing competitions etc but a weeks camp for me are the ones where VA just helps justify work, family and cadet balance, I still have to use 5 days of holiday a year but least I get paid for that. Couldn’t go on on camps if I was self employed or retired!
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As a contractor, I agree - I cannot afford to lose earnings to attend camps - If I don’t work, I don’t get paid.
The powers that be want us to act like regulars and to the same standards, but do not remunerate to reflect this.
Is it any wonder that we cannot get enough Officers in the organisation - scarsity of promotion beyond Flt Lt, increases in admin and now reduction in VA… what is the organisation coming to ?? - I suppose they will expect us to purchase all uniform next !! 
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They do in the Scouts.
Indeed, but a Woggle and a pair of Khaki Shorts isn’t the same as a set of No1’s
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Also some groups pay for the leaders’ uniform or have items they can loan.
I’ve spent about £40 on scout uniform - a shirt, a t-shirt, and a hoodie, and a necker - in about 6 years.
I’m not a leader, I’m a uniformed member of the SA who works for the district - I do support for other leaders doing stuff like logistics and putting up tents for camps, and helping out with evening activities when required.
Honestly, I love it. I won’t pretend there’s no faff because there is, but contrasting the staff experience of preparing and planning for a local weekend under canvas between the Scouts and the ATC is illuminating/depressing…
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Go on, list the differences for all and sundry.
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The removal of the ability to claim any VA or have any centrally funded transport for any road marching event is going to really damage the activity.
I don’t understand the logic behind it.
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Tbf road marching had a reduction when Cooper was CAC - that was why she stood down as president of WARMA