Two veterans-turned-councillors are backing calls by the Royal British Legion for better support from the ‘Armed Forces Covenant’.
Since Wirral Council adopted the Covenant in 2016, changes have been made to the way in which many of the Borough’s 13,000 veterans are helped.
Most recently, councillors voted to give greater priority to veterans applying for social housing.
Now, following calls by the Royal British Legion for a stronger duty on all levels of government, Councillors Simon Mountney and Gary Bennett are seeking all-party support in Wirral to expand support for veterans.
The vote on whether to support the campaign will take place at Wallasey Town Hall on Monday 16 March. If agreed by a majority of councillors, Wirral will seek the support of the government’s Minister for Veterans.
Among the calls by the Legion is expanding the Covenant to social care and employment – areas where many veterans face hurdles.
Councillor Simon Mountney (Conservative, West Kirby & Thurstaston) served in both the regular RAF and the Cheshire Reserves: “Many of Wirral’s 13,000 veterans will have settled back into civilian life without too much trouble. However, we will all know of a former colleague who has faced struggles – financially, with mental health or practical issues about work and housing.
“The Royal British Legion is right to highlight the need for more backing for the Covenant, not least from the Government. We need to ensure that no matter which service a veteran is accessing, their commitment and service is recognised.”
Councillor Gary Bennett (Conservative, Moreton West & Saughall Massie) served in the Cheshire Regiment for eight years: “I’m really hoping we will secure all-party support to back this campaign by the Royal British Legion. Support for our veterans isn’t just the Poppy Appeal – it’s about being there all year round, whenever help is needed.
“There is a need for clear guidance and national standards to ensure that the covenant is delivered consistently across the UK. The Legion also highlights the importance of sufficient funding and resources to support the delivery of the covenant.”
The Royal British Legion, Wallasey Chairman, Eric Wade, adds: "As someone, who served in the Regular Army and the Territorial Army, and now as a volunteer for The RBL, I have seen and continue to see veterans who struggle with a wide variety of issues.
“The Covenant needs expanding to social care and employment, as raised by The RBL, but that shouldn't be the ceiling. Mental health issues are a huge problem with veterans, who struggle daily by things they've seen. I would urge the Council to adopt this proposal by the RBL and vote in favour."
The latest Census identified 13,000 veterans in the Borough:
• 3,280 who previously served in the UK reserve armed forces
• 9,416 who previously served in the UK regular armed forces
• And the 605 veterans who previously served in both
