Extra support for heroes as Armed Forces Bill is passed in Parliament
NEW legislation to ensure armed forces personnel, veterans and their families are better supported when accessing key public services has been passed in Parliament.
Charnwood Borough Council’s armed forces champion, Councillor Hilary Fryer, has welcomed the Armed Forces Bill which has gained Royal Assent and is due to be implemented next year.
The bill places the Armed Forces Covenant in law to help prevent service personnel and veterans being disadvantaged when accessing services such as healthcare, education and housing.
The covenant is a pledge by the nation to acknowledge that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect. Charities, local authorities, and businesses are encouraged to sign up.
Cllr Fryer said: “We are proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant and it is important we support those servicemen and women who have given so much to our country.
“The bill will continue to strengthen our support provision.”
The council has a guaranteed interview scheme for veterans applying for a job with the authority who meet the essential criteria.
In addition, reservists are given 10 days additional paid leave to attend training and council staff are offered training to better understand and support the armed forces community.
In recent years, the council has worked with parish and town councils, community groups and businesses to help them improve their understanding of supporting the armed forces community and sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The council signed the covenant in 2013 and employs a covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe borough councils.
In January 2020, Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils received a gold award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS), the highest accolade for covenant signatories which have demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.