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Renewed covenant hopes to eliminate ‘disadvantages’ faced by armed forces community
A renewed agreement signed by the council on Friday could put an end to the “disadvantages” faced by the city’s armed forces community while accessing public services.
In 2014, Bristol voluntarily signed an Armed Forces Community Covenant, which reinforced the council’s commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
Now, a refreshed version of the covenant in Bristol offers the members of this community further support with employment, housing, flexible education access, and civic recognition.
Leader of Bristol Labour, councillor Tom Renhard, was among those who signed the renewed covenant
The new covenant was initially approved at a full council meeting in July, but was formally signed by the lord mayor, leaders of the four main parties in Bristol and representatives of the Ministry of Defence on Friday.
The changes to the covenant are in line with the Armed Forces Act 2021, which enforced a legal duty on local authorities to “have due regard to” the principles of the original covenant when carrying out public functions related to housing, healthcare, and education.
Through its many principles, the covenant is an effort to recognise the unique efforts of the armed forces community, removing disadvantages and justifying special provisions where necessary.
Speaking on what was also Victory in Japan Day, the leader of Bristol City Council Tony Dyer said: “Our council is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the UK Armed Forces Covenant.
“This covenant is not just a pledge—it is a recognition of our unwavering support for the men and women who serve our country, and the families who stand behind them.”
Census reports from 2021 say that 9,491 people in Bristol are veterans, making up 2.4 per cent of the city’s population. Additionally, the city is also home to many military units, including 39 Signal Regiment, HMS Flying Fox, 9 Military Intelligence Battalion, Royal Marines Reserve Bristol and 266 GVA Battery.
The presence of these veterans and active officers, according to the council’s armed forces champion Jos Clark, makes it the city’s “duty to support them as they transition to civilian life”.
Clark added: “The recent Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme demonstrates our commitment as an employer, to fostering an inclusive environment and actively promoting the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.
“The refreshed Covenant reflects our dedication to removing barriers and providing the necessary support to our Armed Forces community.
‘This commitment is integral to our vision of a fair and inclusive Bristol, where every individual—regardless of their background—has the opportunity to thrive.”
Main photo: Bristol City Council
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