A pledge of support for serving and former members of the armed forces in County Durham would help build relationships with the wider community.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to agree the signing of an Armed Forces Community Covenant, a voluntary statement of mutual support between the community and local armed forces.
The covenant would support the National Armed Forces Covenant, launched in May 2011 under the principle that members of the armed forces community should not suffer disadvantage as a result of their service.
A local-level agreement would have the following aims:
· Encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their area;
· Nurture public understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the armed forces community;
· Recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the armed forces community;
· Encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life;
· Encourage the armed forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects, or other forms of engagement.
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “There are thousands of ex-service personnel living in the North East. As a council we already do a lot to support them and show our gratitude. However, there is always scope to do more and the signing of the Community Covenant will reinforce our commitment.”
The Association of North East Councils is currently in the process of developing a regional Armed Forces Community Covenant and the adoption of a covenant by Durham County Council should help achieve this ambition.