Calling The Covenant To Account

The Armed Forces Covenant has come under scrutiny in Parliament.

The Defence Select Committee has questioned Veterans Minister Mark Lancaster and the MoD’s Head of Service Personnel, Helen Helliwell, on the promises made in the Covenant’s annual report.

It pledges to ensure armed forces personnel, veterans and reservists are treated fairly when it comes to their welfare.

ACCOMMODATION:

The Future Accommodation Model aims to improve the standard of housing for service personnel and their families. One of the options under consideration is a series of allowances to help buy or rent properties.

But there are concerns that moving away from military bases could harm morale and unit cohesion, and raise security issues. And there are questions over the cost of renting.

EDUCATION:

Questioned on education for forces children, such as the constant need to change schools, Mark Lancaster, MP, agreed there were challenges:

HEALTH:

One of the covenant’s promises on health and mental health is that special consideration can be applied to the injured and bereaved.

But there are concerns the general public may feel they are being pushed to the back of the queue, as a result.

NORTHERN IRELAND:

Implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant in Northern Ireland is also challenging; as some political parties refuse to recognise all of its aspects; chiefly the promise to give veterans special consideration in some cases.

The minister was asked what progress is being made.

CORPORATE COVENANT:

Over 900 businesses have signed the covenant to demonstrate their support for the armed forces.

Head of Service Personnel, Helen Helliwell agreed they should be brought to account on their promises. 

COMMUNITY COVENANT: 

Every council in England has signed the covenant, with more coming on board in Scotland Wales, and Northern Ireland.

But how well are they implementing their promise to support the military community?

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