To approve the attached Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant (AFCC) Pledge, Action Plan and delivery arrangements.

The Cabinet Member Highways, Transportation and Sustainability introduced the report on the Armed Forces Community Covenant.  The report has been completed in consultation with the Armed Forces Association and charity organisations.

The following points were made in discussions:

·         It was noted the government first put forward guidelines for the Covenant in June 2011, outlining five key aims.

·         Pages 17 to 21 of the report outline the action plan for Herefordshire, which will address the five key aims.  It was noted that further detail was needed on how the action plan would tie in with the Council’s strategies and plans and how the success of delivery would be monitored.  Cabinet was advised that part of the plan linked in to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

·         The next step is for the formal signing and launch of the Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant, and that details of the launch date would be available by the end of May.

·         Cabinet was informed that this was a non-political issue and was supported by all political groups. 

·         Councillor Sinclair-Knipe would be the lead Cabinet Support Team member and would be supported by Councillors: Matthews and Kenyon.

RESOLVED:  That the Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant, which incorporates an Action Plan and delivery arrangements (as set out at Appendix 1 to the report) be approved.