North Devon Council signs up to Armed Forces Covenant

North Devon Council has pledged its ongoing support to veterans and serving military by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Leader of the council, councillor Ian Roome, signed the covenant on behalf of North Devon Council on Monday, September 4, immediately after receiving unanimous approval from the council's Strategy and Resources Committee.

Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association Air Regional employer engagement officer, wing commander Alex Drake, attended the meeting and co-signed the document on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families should be treated fairly and not face disadvantages when seeking access to public or private goods and services in the UK. Businesses, public bodies or charities who wish to support the armed forces community can sign the covenant and publicly declare their commitments.

The council demonstrates its commitment in a number of ways. It supports the housing needs of personnel and veterans, whether it is through Housing Support, Devon Home Choice or through Disabled Facilities Grants. It also welcomes job applications from veterans, reservists, spouses and partners, with reservists receiving allowances for training and call-ups.

Councillors are able to support armed forces charities and organisations through Community Councillor funding, and the council promotes the armed forces and national events, including Armed Forces Day and Remembrance.

Councillor Roome said: "I am thrilled that we can express our unwavering dedication to supporting our armed forces, veterans, and their families by endorsing the Armed Forces Covenant. This demonstrates our recognition and comprehension that those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces, along with their families, deserve equitable and respectful treatment in the communities, economy, and society they have selflessly served, without facing any unjust discrimination due to their service."

Wing commander Alex Drake, says: "The pledge to undertake support for the armed forces and its wider community via the Armed Forces Covenant is significant and one that is not taken lightly nor for granted by defence. I am immensely grateful to North Devon Council for their continued support to our Regulars, Reservists, Veterans, families and cadet forces, which directly enables our operations in the UK and overseas."

The council was part of a Devon-wide covenant signed in 2012. The current iteration of the covenant was strengthened in 2021.

To find a list of all those who have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.