The Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill 2021 launched a survey which will close on 5th April 2021.

The Armed Forces Bill will enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law and help prevent service personnel and veterans being disadvantaged when accessing services like healthcare, education and housing.

It’s important for the Select Committee to consider the views of a range of individuals; complete the survey now. 

In particular, Clause 8 is pertinent to the RFCA Membership, in their capacity of supporting local authorities with delivery of their Armed Forces Covenant pledges. 

Clause 8: The Bill will strengthen the Armed Forces Covenant by imposing a duty to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, as follows: (a) the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces; (b) the principle that it is desirable to remove disadvantages arising for Service personnel from membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces; and (c) the principle that special provision for Service personnel may be justified by the effects on such people of membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces. These principles are already set out in the existing duty on the Secretary of State to make an annual Armed Forces Covenant report. The new duty will apply to specified persons or bodies when exercising certain housing, education or healthcare.

More about the Armed Forces Bill on Gov.uk.

Guidance booklet explaining the background and content of the Armed Forces Bill 2021.