The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has issued new guidance for councils providing services for current and former armed forces personnel.

The document aims to help councils in England meet their commitments to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is an agreement between the people of the United Kingdom, the Government and all those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families.

The covenant pledges that servicemen and women, and their families, will not be disadvantaged by their roles compared to others, when applying for council services.

The guidance highlights a number of key learning points from real cases the Ombudsman has investigated.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said:

“On this day in particular it is important to remember the dedicated service the many hundreds of thousands of armed forces personnel have given and continue to give to this country.

“So it is a worthwhile time to highlight the role of the Armed Forces Covenant in helping to ensure service families are not disadvantaged in accessing local council services.

“I hope this guidance helps to raise awareness of the Covenant and ensure councils firmly embed its principles within their policies for accessing services."

Article date: 11 November 2019