Hampshire County Council has underlined its commitment to the armed forces, by renewing its pledge that serving and veteran members of the Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Leader Rob Humby, signed the Armed Forces Covenant, in a renewal of its existing pledge, at a ceremony held on Friday, October 20.
The county council was selected some 12 years ago to be among the first to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, because of its strong track record and significant work it does with its military partners.
Hampshire has a historic and long-standing close relationship with the Armed Forces and has military facilities from all three services. Some 72,000 households in Hampshire include someone who has served in the UK armed forces.
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Cllr Humby said: “Hampshire is home to one of the largest armed forces communities in the country. Our commitment to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant means that we look carefully at our services to ensure that there is no disadvantage to the Armed Forces community in the way services are provided, and that we are making special considerations where appropriate – especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured and the bereaved.
“We are proud that we were one of the first local authorities to sign the original Covenant in 2011, and one of only two local authorities to receive the Defence Employers Recognition Gold Award in 2016.”
Commodore John Voyce attended the ceremony on behalf of the Royal Navy, and said: “I was delighted to attend the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by Hampshire County Council who continue to show their dedication and commitment through their unwavering support to the Armed Forces."
Brigadier Lee Daley, Commandant Defence College of Logistics, representing the Army, said: “It is with great pleasure that I renew the relationship between Hampshire County Council and the Defence Units that fall within its borders. It is vital that we encourage engagement with the community that we serve and ensure fairness for all serving personnel and their families. The Covenant is an articulation of this relationship and I hope to see this bond continue and strengthen for many years to come.”
Group Captain Matt Roberts, station commander, RAF Odiham, said: “On behalf of all our Royal Air Force personnel based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, it is a privilege to re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant. The support of Hampshire County Council is invaluable in ensuring the Covenant recognises the contribution of our serving and veteran military personnel and their families to the UK.”
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