A recommendation that the council supports the development of an Armed Forces Community Covenant (AFCC) in Luton was welcomed by ex service organisations yesterday.
The Government initiative – which aims to recognise our moral obligation to our Armed Forces and their families – is likely to be agreed at the next executive meeting on Monday.
Chairman of Luton & District Combined Services Association John Bavister said: “It’s a brilliant idea.”
President of the Royal British Legion Don Woodcroft agreed: “It’s a move in the right direction, a start.”
As Luton has no covenant at present, the proposal is that the council and other statutory agencies will work with representatives of the Armed Forces and ex-service associations as well as the voluntary and community sectors and local businesses to draw up a local AFCC.
The covenant will be signed formally at the Town Hall on November 11 to coincide with Remembrance Day.
A joint action plan will be monitored and reported on annually.
The statement of intent is specifically aimed at veterans, defined as anyone who has served in the Armed Forces as a regular or reservist.
It will ensure that they are able to access help and support and receive the services they need and deserve.