12th March 2026

Stockport Council’s Cabinet will review its latest Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report, highlighting how the borough continues to support current and former members of the armed forces and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national pledge introduced in 2011, ensuring that those who serve or have served in the military, along with their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their service. Armed Forces Covenant

Local authorities across the country, including Stockport, play an important role in delivering that commitment at community level.

Support for Veterans and Families

The annual report outlines how the council works with local organisations, charities and public services to support the borough’s armed forces community. This includes:

  • Helping veterans access housing and employment support
  • Promoting awareness of the needs of service families
  • Working with voluntary organisations to provide community support
  • Encouraging local businesses and public bodies to sign up to the covenant

The report also reflects the work of the borough’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Group, which brings together the council, public services, charities and representatives from the armed forces community.

Integrating the Armed Forces Community

A key aim of the covenant is to ensure that veterans and service families are fully integrated into civilian life and able to access services without disadvantage.

Local covenants encourage cooperation between councils, health services, businesses and community groups to recognise the contribution of armed forces personnel and help them transition into civilian communities.

In Stockport, the covenant has been refreshed periodically since it was first adopted in 2012, reflecting the borough’s ongoing commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

A National Commitment with Local Impact

The national Armed Forces Covenant framework recognises the unique obligations and sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and commits government and public bodies to supporting them appropriately.

Stockport’s annual report provides an update on how those principles are being applied locally, with the Cabinet asked to note the progress made over the past year and endorse the continued work of the partnership.

Looking Ahead

Councillors will acknowledge that supporting veterans and service families remains an important responsibility for local government.

As the covenant continues to evolve nationally, the council says it will keep working with partners across the borough to ensure that Stockport remains a welcoming and supportive place for those who have served in the armed forces.