Agenda item
Notice of Motions
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12, the following Motions have been received:-
a) Motion - Armed Forces Covenant Re-Endorsement
Proposed by Councillor Stephen Andrews, Seconded by Cllr Julia Judd
Nearly a decade ago, in February 2012, Cotswold District Council, along with its partners within Gloucestershire, local NHS representatives, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant.
On the 15th December 2021 Royal Assent was given to the Armed Forces Act 2021 enshrining the Armed Forces Covenant in law for the first time.
The Covenant is a statement of mutual support between the civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. It encourages support for the Armed Forces Community residing in Cotswold District and recognises and remembers their sacrifices. This includes in-service and ex-service personnel, their families and widow(er)s, reservists, their partners and their families in Cotswold District. It is important that we continue to work with veterans in the District and that we place on record our appreciation and gratitude to those organisations which work tirelessly with our local Veterans and their families.
For the District Council and those Organisations that it works with within Gloucestershire, the Armed Forces Covenant presents an opportunity for us all to continue sharing our knowledge and experience of how Local Government is structured and how it works, with the local bases in South Cerney and where appropriate, Fairford, in order to assist and advise our military neighbours and their families in practical ways when they might need our help or advice. It also represents an opportunity to work with Service Charities on aspects relating to the welfare of Service Families and Veterans resident in Cotswold District, including those who may be based, or previously based, at sites outside of Cotswold District, such as at RAF Brize Norton or the Defence Academy at Shrivenham.
MOTION:
Now, with the passage of the Armed Forces Covenant into law, this Council believe that the time is right to update and reinforce the commitment of this Council to the Covenant.
Therefore, this Council proposes that in 2022. on the 10-year anniversary of the original signing, this Council re-sign it, highlighting our continued commitment to working with, and honouring, the Armed Forces Community.
Minutes:
Members had been given notice of a number of Motions, detailed on the agenda.
a) Motion - Armed Forces Covenant Re-Endorsement
Proposed by Councillor Stephen Andrews, Seconded by Cllr Julia Judd
Nearly a decade ago, in February 2012, Cotswold District Council, along with its partners within Gloucestershire, local NHS representatives, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant.
On the 15th December 2021 Royal Assent was given to the Armed Forces Act 2021 enshrining the Armed Forces Covenant in law for the first time.
The Covenant is a statement of mutual support between the civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. It encourages support for the Armed Forces Community residing in Cotswold District and recognises and remembers their sacrifices. This includes in-service and ex-service personnel, their families and widow(er)s, reservists, their partners and their families in Cotswold District.
It is important that we continue to work with veterans in the District and that we place on record our appreciation and gratitude to those organisations which work tirelessly with our local Veterans and their families.
For the District Council and those Organisations that it works with within Gloucestershire, the Armed Forces Covenant presents an opportunity for us all to continue sharing our knowledge and experience of how Local Government is structured and how it works, with the local bases in South Cerney and where appropriate, Fairford, in order to assist and advise our military neighbours and their families in practical ways when they might need our help or advice. It also represents an opportunity to work with Service Charities on aspects relating to the welfare of Service Families and Veterans resident in Cotswold District, including those who may be based, or previously based, at sites outside of Cotswold District, such as at RAF Brize Norton or the Defence Academy at Shrivenham.
MOTION:
Now, with the passage of the Armed Forces Covenant into law, this Council believe that the time is right to update and reinforce the commitment of this Council to the Covenant.
Therefore, this Council proposes that in 2022. on the 10-year anniversary of the original signing, this Council re-sign it, highlighting our continued commitment to working with, and honouring, the Armed Forces Community.
Councillor Stephen Andrews introduced the Motion with Council noting the difficulties associated with armed forces personnel leaving active service and transitioning to civilian life. The Motion was aimed at all categories of armed forces personnel, not just those who had experienced combat.
Council acknowledged the importance of ensuring that appropriate help and support in relation to housing and health and wellbeing was available to existing and ex-service personnel and their families who were living within the District.
The Motion was seconded by Councillor Lisa Spivey who addressed the Council, noting the links between the District and the armed forces. The Council was committed to working with and supporting serving and ex armed forces personnel and their families.
Councillor Mike Evemy addressed Council acknowledging how armed forces personnel and their families were active members of communities across the District.
Council acknowledged the announcement by the Government who had commissioned a review into historic injustice against LGBT people in the armed forces.
Council recognised the importance of acknowledging the contribution of all serving and ex members of the armed forces who had served their country.
Members noted the Council’s inclusivity policy and the importance of ensuring every person in the District was treated equally.
Councillor Julia Judd addressed the Council and noted the importance of local communities being aware of the armed forces and the work they undertook. An event arranged by the Army and attended by Councillor Judd had sought to provide as much information as possible about the organisation. Council noted that the Army were seeking to integrate within local communities within the District.
Council noted the importance of ensuring ex armed forces personnel were provided with appropriate employment opportunities when leaving the service.
The Council noted the important role the armed forces played in serving and protecting the public.
Councillor Roly Hughes addressed the Council, with Members noting the amounts of money collected via donations in the District and the importance of providing appropriate housing for veterans and their families.
Councillor Richard Keeling addressed the Council, supporting the Motion.
Council voted to support the Motion.
Record of Voting – for: 30, against: 0, abstentions: 0, absent: 3