MP welcomes East Ayrshire Council Community Covenant
Published 13 Jul 2012 14:30
Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Cathy Jamieson has welcomed news that East Ayrshire Council will enter into an Armed Forces Community Covenant.
The news came after Cathy attended a Royal British Legion reception recently to encourage local authorities across the UK to sign up to the commitment.
Launched in 2011 following a successful campaign by the Legion, the Community Covenant scheme aims to transform the relationship between local communities and serving and reservist Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families.
East Ayrshire is currently home to proportionally the highest number of people with Armed Forces experiences in Scotland.
The Legion hopes the commitment will encourage the authority to build on its relationship with the Armed Forces community and identify opportunities for closer working in the area.
Authorities that have signed up to the Covenant will also have access to a £30m Government funding stream, the "Community Covenant Grant Scheme", for local projects that strengthen ties or mutual understanding between the Armed Forces community and the wider community.
Cathy said: "I was pleased to show my support for The Royal British Legion's Community Covenant scheme and I'm delighted that East Ayrshire Council has agreed to sign up to the commitment.
"Community Covenants are a fantastic way for local authorities and the wider community to show their support for our Armed Forces and their families.
"They are about securing real improvements in the welfare of Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families in constituencies across the UK.
"I am pleased that so many local authorities are signing up. Now all of us need to ensure the commitments made really make a difference where it matters - on the ground."
Chris Simpkins, the Legion's Director General, said: "Community Covenants provide an excellent opportunity to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and really bring its principles to life at a local level.
"We're delighted that a growing number of local authorities from across the political spectrum are engaging with their local Armed Forces communities, and charities such as the Legion, to show their support for our brave Service men and women and their families.
"We are very grateful to Cathy for attending the Legion's event and backing stronger local support for their Armed Forces community."
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