Introduction

It is important to have an awareness of service life in the armed forces community and the potential disadvantages members may experience as they try to access key local services.

The legal side

As a local authority, we have a duty, known as the Armed Forces Covenant Duty, to have ‘due regard’ for the armed forces when we deliver certain services in housing, healthcare and education.

This is a legal requirement under the Armed Forces (Covenant) Regulations 2022.

‘Due regard’ means that:

• the council must consciously consider the unique obligations and sacrifices made by the armed forces
• it is desirable to remove disadvantages faced by the armed forces community
• special provision may be justified in some circumstances.

Position statement and action plan

The position statement and action plan identifies the areas where:

• ‘due regard’ is already being shown
• further work is required.

Duty analysis

If you are developing or reviewing policies, strategies or services in housing, health or education, you are required by law to make sure you have considered the principles of the covenant.

A duty analysis provides a way to evidence that you have shown ‘due regard’ during your decision-making process. It can also be referred to if the council is ever challenged by service users about how the armed forces community needs have been considered.

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Fill in the form

Download and complete the following form:

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What happens next

Once the corporate policy team have your form, they will:

• provide feedback
• finalise the analysis
• send you a reference number via email.