Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods providing an update on the support offered to current and former members of the armed forces, reservists and their families as part of the commitment to the Gloucestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant.

40.1    The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods introduced the report and explained that the purpose of the report was to provide an update on the support offered to current and former members of the armed  forces, reservists and their families as part of the City Council’s commitment to the Gloucestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant. He explained that the Armed Forces Community Covenant was a voluntary pledge of support between the people of Gloucestershire and the local Armed Forces Community

40.2    The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods noted that one of the aims of the Covenant was to recognise the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community. He noted that by 2028 there would be an estimated 1.6 million veterans living in the UK and that the Government had this year renewed the Armed Forces Bill, with a particular obligation on Councils to pay due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in terms of housing. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods confirmed that armed forces members and veterans were able to access housing support and advice through the City Council’s Housing Team and confirmed that the Council was also working with partner organisations including armed forces charities. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods explained that the Council would be applying for the Bronze Defence Employer Recognition Award in Autumn/Winter 2021 and that an internal survey of City Council staff had taken place. He noted that it was hoped that the responses would indicate whether the Council needed to do better to support veterans. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods paid tribute to the work of Councillor Lewis as the Member Armed Forces Champion.

40.3    Councillor Radley asked for an update on what the City Council had done to reach out to staff at Alabarae. The Head of Communities confirmed that the Council had been dealing with some complaints relating to housing standards and that the Community Wellbeing Officer had been recently met with Alabarae. She noted that the Council were in a difficult position as there was a need to balance the standards enforcement role alongside the Council’s obligation to offer housing to veterans and armed forces members. She also confirmed that the Communities Wellbeing Officer had a supportive and collaborative relationship with Alabarea and that the Council was open to further communication.

40.4    Councillor S. Chambers asked whether the City Council would be using outreach to raise awareness of support available for armed forces members and veterans, or whether awareness was being raised via the Council website and social media. The Head of Communities confirmed that the Council would promote awareness days online. She commented that generally, armed forces members tended to look to the voluntary sector for support at first instance, however if veterans were seeking help through the Housing Team, the Council would make sure they would have access to the appropriate advice and support available.

40.5    Councillor Organ asked whether there had any been any major changes to Armed Forces Covenant since the legislation was renewed and asked whether the support outlined in the report applied to all members of the armed forces, including those people who may not have completed their training. The Head of Communities stated that it was her understanding that anyone serving as an armed forces member for any length of time would be eligible for the support. She also clarified that when the legislation changes were brought in, the City Council was already offering all of the support required. The Head of Communities went on to confirm that the City Council wanted to do more and that the Cabinet were supportive. She referred to the appointment of the Communities Wellbeing Officer, and explained that part of her role was to engage with the community and to take part in the County Forum. It was her view that having a Community Wellbeing Officer responsible for armed forces had made a big impact.

40.6    Councillor Lewis expressed the view that mental health issues were a real concern amongst the armed forces community and noted that the focus on mental health awareness and enhanced support were very welcome. Councillor Lewis paid tribute to the work of the Community Wellbeing Officer and reiterated that he was pleased to see mental health support at the forefront of her work.

40.7    Councillor Durdey referred to Army Recruitment Events theme in Appendix 1 and asked whether the Council was in the process of supporting any upcoming recruitment events. The Head of Communities confirmed that she was not aware of any upcoming recruitment events at the moment but noted that the Council would encourage the army to contact the local authority as part of recruitment event planning so that the events could be licensed appropriately.

40.8    In response to a follow-up question from Councillor Durdey as to whether any work was being undertaken to encourage local businesses to employ armed forces veterans, the Head of Communities noted that the City Council was starting with itself in order to set an example to local businesses. She referred to the staff survey and explained that the aim of the survey was to understand the experiences of staff who had served or had families who had served in the armed forces and that the Council would use the survey to help decide how the organisation could better support these employees. The Head of Communities reiterated that the Council was in the process of applying the Bronze award and had a reservist policy. She noted that the Council wanted to be the best employer it could be and after it achieved bronze status, the aim would be to apply for silver and gold, with mentoring from other organisations to achieve this standard.

            RESOLVED – That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee NOTE the report.