City pledges to give priority to ex-forces veterans with charter

The charter, which supports veterans of the Second World War and the many conflicts that have occurred since then, including Iraq and Afghanistan, will be officially launched in October.

Increasing numbers of veterans are due to return home in coming years as troops are withdrawn from Germany and Afghanistan.

There are thought to be several thousand veterans in the area already.

Hull Council is set to provide a co-ordinator based at the Wilson Centre, on Alfred Gelder Street, to signpost servicemen, veterans and their families to the services they need.

A sum of £50,000 has been set aside this year, increasing to £150,000 next year.

Coun Steve Walker, who has represented the council on a city-wide partnership which developed the charter, would like to see veterans given discounted rates to use city swimming pools and leisure centres as well as priority on the council-house waiting list.

Coun Walker said the Charter included the “forgotten” seamen who has served with the Merchant Navy, many of whom served in the Falklands War.

He said: “I believe they have put themselves on the front line and suffered the consequences and the best thing we can do is provide them with the best services to put them back on their feet and show our gratitude and respect.”

On Saturday 120 members of 150 (Yorkshire) Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers) paraded through Hull with their Regimental Band to celebrate receiving the Freedom of the City.

The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Connelly of the Royal Logistic Corps said of the Charter: “As a military man it is nice to see the community looking inward and seeing what we can do for this very small population during service and post service.”

Lieut Col Connelly, who has been in the Army 24 years and until recently spent 8 months away every year, said it was reassuring for service personnel to know there was support.

It could be tough transition from “a very secure environment that provided housing and three meals a day” to today’s unstable financial climate.

He said: “Towards 2020 as we start to draw down from Germany and soldiers start to leave Afghanistan and different theatres we are going to see more uniformed people in and around different centres.”

The charter embraces those currently serving in the Armed Forces, those who have served at least one day with the Merchant Navy, Volunteer and Regular Reservists, immediate family, bereaved families and carers for service personnel and veterans.

It says public bodies “should recognise the unique characteristics of military service in delivering public services” and its core principle is that “members of the Armed Forces Community do not suffer disadvantages as a result of their Service.”

Coun Walker will be giving a presentation about the charter on Sunday July 31, following the Remembrance Service held as part of the annual Veterans Weekend at East Park.

The two-day event starting on July 30, includes a 1914 cavalry display, 1940s dance and big band sound, British, German and American army camps, as well as military stands and displays.

Event partner, Honorary Alderman Brian Petch who has been involved since its inception in 2005, said: “We are delighted to be holding the seventh annual veterans’ weekend in East Park.

“It is important for all generations to remember war-time Britain and to thank those who protected and continue to protect our country.”

Entrance is free. Parking will be available on site, subject to availability, for a £1 donation to the Air Cadets. Access is via the main East Park gates.