Croydon Council pledges support to Armed Forces community

Croydon Council has reaffirmed its support for serving personnel, veterans and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant on Armistice Day.

Executive Mayor Jason Perry signed the covenant on behalf of Croydon Council, alongside Major Andy Church from the Ministry of Defence at the ceremony in Braithwaite Hall on Tuesday (11 November).

The signing was witnessed by Civic Mayor Councillor Richard Chatterjee, the Deputy Lieutenant of Croydon, Colonel Ray Wilkinson, community leaders, members of the Armed Forces family and local school children.

The covenant is a shared promise that recognises and respects the service and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families including those who are bereaved. It makes sure they are treated with fairness and dignity in the communities they serve.

The agreement focuses on helping the Armed Forces community access the same public and commercial services as any other citizen, including vital areas such as healthcare, childcare, housing and employment.

Executive Mayor Perry also announced a new £50,000 fund to support veterans back into the workplace.

Croydon Council joins a growing number of organisations such as the national Government, NHS, schools and charities who are all committed to supporting the Armed Forces community.

"Signing the Armed Forces Covenant on Armistice Day is a deeply proud and meaningful moment - when we pause to remember the sacrifices of those who have served.

"Our Armed Forces deserve more than our gratitude - they deserve the chance to thrive here in Croydon; in the community they helped to protect.

"This covenant is a living promise. It ensures those who serve, and the families who stand behind them, are treated with fairness, dignity and respect every day of the year.

"Croydon stands proudly alongside our Armed Forces community, having been the first London Borough to sign the covenant in 2011, it reaffirms our commitment to helping those who have given so much service to our country access the services and opportunities they deserve."

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant.