This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT


INTRODUCTION The Armed Forces Covenant was launched in May 11 by the Prime Minister. In broad terms, it is a statement describing the relationship and mutual obligations between the Government, the Armed Forces and wider society. The Covenant aimed to identify where disadvantage arises as a result of military service and to remove that disadvantage where possible.


The inclusion of military families at the heart of the Covenant was most welcome and confirms our belief that operational effectiveness derives to a large extent from the support offered to those in uniform by those who love them most. Commitments aimed specifically at families included:


1. 2. 3.


5. 6. 7.


An increase in Council Tax Relief from 25% to 50% for those deployed on eligible operations. A £200 per year Pupil Premium for Service children educated in state schools in England. An additional £3m fund to support state schools with significant numbers of Service children.


4. Work with financial institutions to review their approach to the provision of credit and other services to members of the Armed Forces.


Health – a commitment to ensure the Department of Health gives due consideration to the needs of Service families during the NHS reform process.


Accommodation and Housing – a commitment to review the provision of Service Accommodation.


Local Communities – the introduction of a Community Covenant scheme, which will encourage local communities to support their Armed Forces communities and vice versa.


Our 2012 survey asked questions on key commitments made in the Covenant, to determine levels of awareness and understanding. Supporting information on the purpose and aims of the Covenant was made available to participants, either verbally during workshops, or via links to key documents on the RAF FF website.


SUPPORT TO THE RAF We asked voters to tell us to what extent they felt the RAF was supported by the general public, the Government and their local community.


Whilst only 7% of voters felt the general public does not support the RAF at all, it was apparent that there were strong feelings about the lack of support offered by the Government. Our top level statistics indicated that 31% felt the Government did not support the Service at all, so we undertook further analysis to determine whether there was any difference of opinion between serving and non- serving voters.


www.raf-ff.org.uk


11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24