Issue - meetings

Purpose: to provide an overview and update in relation to the Armed Forces Act 2021 and specifically request that West Berkshire Council sign the Armed Forces Covenant and form an Armed Forces Task and Finish group to ensure ongoing compliance and appropriate support to the military ‘family’ in the community.

Resolved that: Executive

·       Note this report and the ambition of this Council in relation to the planned actions relating to the Armed Forces Covenant and compliance with the Armed Forces Act 2021.

·       Approve the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. 

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 31 May 2024, then it will be implemented.

Councillor Jeff Brooks introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 9), and invited Councillor Stephanie Steevenson as Armed Forces Champion to speak on the paper.

Councillor Steevenson noted that the Council had signed the Military Community Partnership in 2011, which had since been superseded by the Armed Forces Act of 2021, which led to the required signature of the Armed Forces Covenant. Councillor Steevenson reported that the Reserve Forces Cadet Association supported a further employers recognition scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and that signing the covenant would enable the Council to apply for the Bronze award in the scheme.

Councillor Steevenson highlighted Appendix B of the report noting that West Berkshire had a larger number of ex regular or reservist personnel living in the area than any other Berkshire authority.

Councillor Steevenson commented that she attended a Veteran’s Breakfast once a month in Thatcham which regularly attracted over 70 people. Councillor Steevenson commended the report. 

Councillor Mackinnon voiced support of the proposal noting that his own ward was home to several RAF service men and women and paid homage to the sacrifices regularly made by military personnel on behalf of everyone.

Councillor Nigel Foot noted that a Veteran’s Breakfast was now also taking place in Newbury. Councillor Foot paid tribute to Carolyn Richardson the report author who had championed the cause and expressed his hopes to achieve Gold award standard in the future. Councillor Foot seconded the recommendations within the report.

RESOLVED that: Executive

·       Note the report and the ambition of this Council in relation to the planned actions relating to the Armed Forces Covenant and compliance with the Armed Forces Act 2021.

·       Approve the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.