Yorkshire leads way in support for Armed Forces

The Yorkshire Post can reveal that the Yorkshire and Humber Local Government Association (LGA) – a partnership of all 32 councils across the region – has collectively agreed to commit to the Government’s new Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The covenant enshrines in law the principle that members of the military are owed a moral obligation when they return from service.

The major announcement comes as the Yorkshire Post launches its Christmas appeal in aid of ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity, which is working to provide vitally needed support for our troops at a time of unprecedented pressure.

Hull Council’s leader, Coun Steve Brady, has called for further action to prevent the issue reaching crisis point.

His council last month became one of the first local authorities in the country to adopt a new charter providing service personnel with council tax rebates, priority healthcare, priority housing and a range of other benefits.

Coun Brady said: “The pressure is undoubtedly high at the moment and this is a number one priority for us.

“We have so many families whose relatives are in the Armed Forces. But also we feel this is something that has been sorely lacking for a long time. We think this charter should be extended to all areas where recruitment is high.”

The covenant, published by the Government in May, is a statement of the moral obligation which exists between the nation, politicians and the Armed Forces.

In last year’s strategic defence review, the Government revealed defence spending would fall by eight per cent over four years.

The RAF and Navy are due to lose 5,000 jobs each, the Army is in line to see 7,000 posts go while the Ministry of Defence is expected to shed 25,000 civilian staff.

Yorkshire, which is traditionally a major centre of recruitment and home to Europe’s largest Army base at Catterick Garrison, is feared to be particularly hard hit with many returning ex-servicemen and women struggling to re-adjust to civilian life.

The leader of York Council, Coun James Alexander, said: “I’m proud that Yorkshire is leading the way in creating community covenants to support our dedicated servicemen and women and I’m delighted that it has the backing of councils across the region.

“Yorkshire has a proud military history, and it’s not surprising that it’s our region that is leading the rest.

“At a time when the national covenant is increasing in prominence, it’s more important than ever that we continue to strengthen our relationships between civilian and military communities at a local level.”

The Yorkshire Post launched its campaign after it emerged that the region’s Armed Forces are under their biggest strain since the Second World War. All four battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment are set to be deployed to Afghanistan next year, which is an unprecedented commitment.

Armed Forces charities have raised grave fears that the mental and physical strains of the ongoing conflict combined with the looming defence cuts could have a devastating effect upon the region without extra support.

The Yorkshire and Humber LGA’s chairman, Coun Peter Box, said: “We recognise the important role that the Armed Forces play in society and the sacrifices they make to ensure we are all safe.

“Local authorities across the region are now committed to supporting forces personnel in their work and will ensure they are valued and fully integrated into community life.”

The Ministry of Defence has welcomed the announcement.

HOW YOU CAN DONATE TO OUR APPEAL

YOU can donate to our appeal by bidding for one of the 50 exclusive Christmas gifts which we will be offering throughout November.

The first 10 auctions will be announced on Saturday, and you will be able to bid simply by visiting the Yorkshire Post website and clicking the links through to eBay. However, if you prefer to donate in the old-fashioned way, or if you cannot wait until Saturday, you can send a cheque made payable to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, to the Editor’s Secretary, Yorkshire Post, Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 1RF.

Money raised will support the work of the charity, which provides immediate financial assistance to those in need. In the past two years it has seen a 30 per cent rise in applications from soldiers.