East Cambridgeshire District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community.

The council has signed its own Armed Forces Covenant, replacing the 2011 shared agreement.

This commitment extends to serving members, veterans, and their families, acknowledging their service and ensuring fairness and respect in the community.

The covenant also recognises the need for special consideration for the injured and bereaved.

Councillor Martin Goodearl, the council's Armed Forces Covenant champion, said: “This council is proud to recognise the invaluable contribution the Armed Forces have made, and I am honoured to be the council’s Armed Forces Covenant champion.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a formal promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces The Armed Forces Covenant is a formal promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces (Image: Submitted)

“As a council we regularly have close contact with current and former members of the Armed Forces.

“As a council we work really hard to mitigate some of these disadvantages and go the extra mile to help those who have sacrificed the most.”

Tommy Kelly, Armed Forces Covenant partnership coordinator and British Armed Veteran, said: “Working with AFC Lead Officer, Dan Gawthrop at East Cambridgeshire District Council has helped support the creation 19 Covenant pledges across 8 service areas which will support the ambition that thinking “Armed Forces Community” and consideration for the disadvantages that the community face and, how to appropriately signpost, becomes part of everyday life at councils.”

The council's initiatives aim to address some of the challenges faced by the Armed Forces Community.

These can include difficulties accessing services due to overseas deployments.

The council aims to reduce these inequalities and provide additional support to those who have made significant sacrifices for the nation.

The signing ceremony took place in the council chamber, attended by serving members, veterans, and spouses from the Armed Forces Community.

The new covenant pledges to continue this support and ensure the community is treated with fairness and respect.