WARRINGTON Borough Council is set to strengthen its commitment to serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families through the borough’s refreshed Armed Forces Covenant.
The updated Covenant, approved by Cabinet, ensures the council fully meets the strengthened legal duties introduced through the Armed Forces Act 2021, which requires local authorities to give due regard to the needs of the Armed Forces community—specifically in housing, education, and healthcare.
Replacing the 2018 Cheshire Armed Forces Partnership document, this refreshed Covenant formalises Warrington’s commitment, ensuring a more focused and locally responsive approach.
A key element of the refreshed Covenant is the development of a new Warrington Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, which will bring together partners across health, education, housing, employment, and community services. The partnership will drive a shared action plan and continue supporting initiatives such as the Veteran Support Centre in Orford.
The Covenant’s commitments—including promoting an Armed Forces friendly culture, supporting employment pathways, backing reservists and cadet volunteers, and upholding civic and commemorative duties—will all be delivered within existing council resources and governance structures.
No new posts or funding is required, and the council’s strengthened position will improve eligibility for Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust grants and support participation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, benefiting workforce development and national profile.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, deputy leader and lead for Communities, Culture and Leisure, said: “Our Armed Forces community makes an extraordinary contribution to our country, and it is only right that we continue to stand firmly behind them.
“This refreshed Covenant strengthens our commitment, ensures we meet our legal responsibilities, and helps us work even more effectively with partners to provide the support serving personnel, veterans and their families deserve.
“By signing this Covenant, we are reaffirming our respect, recognition and gratitude for those who serve—and ensuring they face no disadvantage as a result of their service.”
The refreshed Covenant reinforces the council’s long standing support for the Armed Forces community and sets out clear actions for embedding Covenant principles across services.
