Council marks Armed Forces Day 2021

The Armed Forces flag is flying outside the Civic Offices this week in recognition of Armed Forces Day 2021, which takes place on Saturday 26 June.

While pandemic restrictions have prevented a formal flag-raising ceremony this year, Bridgend County Borough Council is using the occasion to remind current and serving members of the military that an Armed Forces Community Covenant is in place to provide them with help and support.

The covenant, which has been in place since 2013, promises mutual support between the people of Bridgend County Borough, the armed forces community, public service organisations, local businesses and the charitable and voluntary sectors.

It brings organisations together at a local level to work in partnership and use their specialist knowledge, experience and expertise to provide members of the armed forces community with appropriate help, support and advice.

Over the years, the community covenant has been developed and expanded to offer a range of benefits. As a result, housing applicants who require adapted accommodation due to injuries sustained while in service or who may need to find somewhere to live as a result of having left the Armed Forces receive priority treatment.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme has been amended so that war widow pensions are no longer included when calculating a person’s income, and the School Place Allocation Policy ensures that veterans are not disadvantaged when returning to Bridgend County Borough.

Serving personnel and veterans are also able to enjoy free sessions at local Halo swimming pools across the county borough, and can apply to the community covenant fund for financial support designed to help them integrate into civilian life.

The Armed Forces Community Covenant makes it easier for service personnel, families and veterans to receive the help, support and recognition that they so richly deserve.

It has been specially designed to complement the national Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligation between the nation, the government and the armed forces.

As well as representing a mark of respect, the community covenant demonstrates that the people of Bridgend County Borough have not forgotten the service, sacrifice and dedication of our armed forces.

Councillor Richard Young, the council’s Armed Forces Champion

You can find out more about the Armed Forces Community Covenant by visiting www.bridgend.gov.uk