Armed Forces Covenant
Ribble Valley's Armed Forces covenant complements the Government's Armed Forces Covenant at a local level. The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge made by government to ensure that the armed forces are not disadvantaged as a result of their service.
Ribble Valley's Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary pledge of mutual support between the community and the local Armed Forces community.
We are working with the Armed Forces and veteran’s groups to improve local services for people who are ex-service or still serving.
The purpose of this Armed Forces covenant is to encourage support for the Armed Forces community in the Ribble Valley and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.
The covenant encourages the integration of service life into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces and community to help their local community. It will see a strengthening of Ribble Valley's military connections and celebrations.
All organisations – public, private, or voluntary and small, medium, or large – are welcome to sign the covenant. Guidance is available on how to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, and a list of example pledges to specify your commitments.
Employer Recognition Scheme
The Council has now received the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised. For more information or to pledge your organisation’s support visit the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme page.
Support and advice
The Council understands that ex-service personnel and their families may be unfamiliar with Council processes and policies. Our Officers have received awareness training on the Armed Forces and the Armed Forces Covenant. When contacting the Council, should you wish to inform our Officers that you are a member of the Armed Forces Community you will be met with the required support and understanding.
Housing Advice
Ribble Valley’s Housing Allocation Policy gives priority to individuals who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces.
Homelessness and Emergency Housing information is available on our website.
Disabled Facilities Grants are also available for essential adaptations to your home to give a disabled person better freedom of movement around the house, that an Occupational Therapist has recommended.
We can also refer into organisations such as the Royal British Legion (RBL) who can help with ongoing support with a variety of things.
If you require information or support on housing services, please visit the Housing webpage or contact the Housing Team on 01200 425111.
Financial Advice
Ribble Valley Borough Council has exercised its discretion to disregard all income from Military Compensation when assessing Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support.
Please visit the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support pages for more information or you can contact us by email at benefits@ribblevalley.gov.uk or by telephone on 01200 425111.
Lancashire’s Armed Forces
The Lancashire Armed Forces Covenant Hub is a partnership project designed to improve the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant within Lancashire. The Hub partners are Lancashire County Council, the University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust and the regional military headquarters, based in Fulwood Barracks, Preston. Please visit the Lancashire Armes Forces Covenant Hub website to view content aimed at the Armed Forces community which provides a range of advice, information and guidance based on themes such as health, education and housing. The Hub has also created a Lancashire Armed Forces Directory of Services. The Directory provides a summary for each service along with their contact information and covers a wide range of local and national services available to the Armed Forces Community.
The Veterans Gateway
The Veterans’ Gateway is a partnership of military charities which gives all veterans, regardless of age or location, a single point of contact to turn to for advice and help when accessing public, private and charitable services. Visit the Veterans Gateway or contact 0808 802 1212, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Ribble Valley
Veterans in Communities (VIC) is an East Lancashire based Armed Forces Charity primarily working across Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas. VIC supports former ex-service men and women who have served in any of the branches of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, the Emergency Services (Blue Light) and their families. They offer a range of veterans’ services and activities including Clitheroe Coffee and Quiz, every Tuesday from 10am to noon at the Trinity Methodist Church Community Hub, Clitheroe BB7 2JY.
Armed Forces Champion
Ribble Valley Borough Council has an appointed Armed Forces Champion, which is a role undertaken by an elected member. The purpose of the Champion is to promote and champion the interests of the Armed Forces Community within the local authority; to act as single point of contact, and to engage with the Armed Forces Community locally to identify key issues of concern.
The Council’s Armed Forces Champion is Councillor Lee Street. Cllr Street is also supported by an allocated officer from the Council’s Democratic Services Team. We have produced a list of links to Service Charities and Organisations that offer advice and support to people who are ex-service or still serving within the Armed Forces and their families.