Issue - meetings

A report requesting approval of the Council’s new Armed Forces Covenant Pledge.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Heather Timms

Councillor Heather Timms introduced the report which outlined the new Armed Forces Covenant Pledge.  This reflected the Council’s commitment to creating opportunities for the armed forces communities across Warwickshire.

Section 1.2 of the report detailed the considerable level of work carried out in Warwickshire since the first covenant was entered into in 2012.  This had included working in partnership with other local authorities, education and employment support and covered reservist and cadet force personnel.  Each section of the pledge had been developed and agreed with all council directorates and services.  Councillor Timms expressed her pleasure to be hosting the covenant signing event in November alongside Coventry City Council, Stratford District, Warwick District and local businesses.

Councillor Martin Watson was fully supportive of the decision to re-commit to the covenant and recognised the good work and support provided by the Council.  In response to a query relating to uptake levels in neighbouring areas, Councillor Timms advised that officers continued to work to generate as much uptake as possible.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe recalled the original commitment made in 2012 and gave credit to the Armed Forces Champions who had worked hard to generate interest, including former County Councillor Bob Stephens.  The armed forces bases located in or near to Warwickshire were discussed, along with the recruitment to particular regiments associated with the area.

Councillor Crump agreed with the comments made, stating that former councillors and advocates of the covenant would be extremely pleased to see this work continuing.  He welcomed the report as he represented many ex-service personnel in his area.

Having considered the report, Cabinet agreed the recommendations as laid out.

Resolved

That Cabinet

1)    Approves the Council’s new Armed Forces Covenant Pledge attached at Appendix 1; and

2)    Authorises the Executive Director for Resources in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate, and Culture to agree such minor modifications to the new Pledge as may be necessary from time to time.