AFC0048

Written evidence submitted by East Ayrshire Council.

Introduction

East Ayrshire is a diverse area covering 490 square miles with a population of 122,010 spread over both urban and rural communities, where affluence and poverty can sit side by side. Kilmarnock is the largest town, with a population of over 46,000. The rest of the population live in smaller communities, ranging from less than a hundred people in some villages and rural areas to just under 9,000 in Cumnock, the second largest town.

Situated in south west Scotland, East Ayrshire has a varied natural environment, a rich and diverse cultural heritage, a proud industrial history and a range of leisure activities, recreation and hospitality, which attract residents and visitors alike.

East Ayrshire is one of 32 Scottish Councils, responsible for a broad range of public services, including education, housing, waste management, roads, planning, licensing, environmental health and trading standards, economic development and health and social care services, which are delivered through the Health and Social Care Partnership.

We have a long and proud history of supporting the Armed Forces and have a very active Armed Forces and Veterans community.

In what areas is the Armed Forces Covenant working well?

The Covenant has provided a successful framework for bringing together key stakeholders to fulfil our shared commitment to support the Armed Forces and Veterans community. It has helped focus attention where it is most needed particularly in respect of housing, health, employment and wellbeing.

Where is the Armed Forces Covenant failing the Armed Forces Community?

From the Council’s perspective, the Covenant has been a largely positive development and has encourage partnership working and collaboration between the public sector, the Armed Forces, charities and voluntary organisations.

An area for improvement, however, would be in the level of support provided by the Armed Forces. When the Covenant was first introduced, it was supported by the Firm Base model with the Armed Forces taking a lead role in co-ordinating local activity and provided the mechanism for brining partners together on a regional basis. For our area this covered the whole of Ayrshire and covered three local authority areas (East, North and South Ayrshire). This commitment had gradually faded over recent years to the extent that the individual Councils have now established their own arrangements. In East Ayrshire, this has included the establishment of an Armed Forces and Veterans Group Chaired by the Council’s Armed Forces Champion and involving all key partners. The re-establishment of the Ayrshire Firm Base, led by the Armed Forces, and with the involvement of all three Councils and partners would be welcomed.

What are the main causes for these failings?

As stated above, in general terms, the Covenant has been a positive development. The reintroduction of dedicated support and leadership from the Armed Forces at a local level would be welcomed. There is an acknowledgement, however, that this would need to be considered against the availability of capacity and resources.

Are there areas which the Armed Forces Covenant ought to be extended to and why?

The areas covered by the Covenant remain relevant and continue to reflect the key priorities for the Council. It is, however, important to maintain a level of flexibility to enable local areas to shape the Covenant and related plans to reflect local need and circumstances.

If so, which are the priority areas?

As noted above, the priority areas already covered by the Covenant remain relevant and continue to reflect the key priorities for the Council.

What legislative changes should be made and why?

The Armed Forces Act 2006 already confers a legal duty (“the Covenant Duty”) on specific public persons and bodies to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when exercising certain statutory functions. The Statutory Guidance published by the UK Government in 2022 was welcomed and has helped to support public bodies to fulfil their obligations in respect of the Covenant Duty. For the Council’s purposes, this is already sufficient although we do recognise that other stakeholders may wish to see the legal duty strengthened in some areas.

What impact would the extension of the Armed Forces Covenant legal duty to central government and devolved administrations have?

If the proposal to extend the legal duty to central government and devolved administrations helps strengthen the commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community then that would be welcomed.

24th January 2025