Issue - meetings

That the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces community be refreshed by re-signing the Covenant.

The Chief Executive introduced Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Powell and Janette Williams (Armed Forces Liaison Officer for North East Wales) to refresh the Council’s commitment in supporting the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant originally signed in 2013.  Presentation slides outlined the purpose of the Covenant and the Council’s achievements and future ambitions.

As the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Andy Dunbobbin proposed that the Covenant be re-signed to re-affirm the Council’s commitment in ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community should not be unfairly disadvantaged in the provision of services and that special consideration be given where necessary.  This commitment recognised the value of serving personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families and their contributions to the nation.  Good progress had been made by the steering group to promote the Covenant leading to the Council achieving the Silver Award in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.  Councillor Dunbobbin thanked all officers involved, in particular Janette Williams and Stephen Townley.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Joe Johnson.

The Covenant was formally signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Powell and Councillor Dunbobbin.

On behalf of the Brigade Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Powell thanked the Council for its support which was greatly valued.

Councillor Glyn Banks took the opportunity to pay tribute to Armed Forces personnel, past and present, as well as all those who worked on the Covenant, particularly Councillor Dunbobbin.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces community be refreshed by re-signing the Covenant.