Cabinet received a report of the Executive Support Officer which set out details of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant which had been launched in 2011 and was currently undergoing a refresh.

Councillor Pattinson introduced the report.  She explained that the covenant was a promise to ensure those who had served in the Armed Forces were treated equally in Hertfordshire and not disadvantaged in accessing services.  She added that the council had given additional preference on its Housing Register to those who had served in the Armed Forces.   The council observed Armed Forces Day which took place in June each year.

As part of the town’s centenary charter celebrations there would be an opportunity to renew focus on the town’s veterans and consider any additional support that could be given to them.  Further proposals would be presented to a future Cabinet drawing on the aspirations of the refreshed covenant.

The Mayor agreed that the centenary year would provide a good opportunity to see how the council could improve support to veterans across the town.

RESOLVED –

1.         that the changes to the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant be noted.

2.         that Watford’s centenary celebrations in 2022 be used as an opportunity to focus on the support offered to local veterans.