'Outstanding progress' on supporting veterans

A COUNCIL'S Armed Forces Champion has hailed “outstanding progress” towards further supporting military personnel, veterans and their families in the community.

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

Councillor David Taylor, who represents Eston on Redcar and Cleveland Council, said a dedicated armed forces section has been created on the local authority's website for people seeking information about help available.

The update, delivered to council members at a recent meeting, also revealed all GP practices in the borough are now veteran-friendly accredited each surgery has a trained clinician understanding veterans’ needs to ensure they can access appropriate services swiftly.

The council first signed the Armed Forces Covenant a promise to ensure personnel, veterans and their families receive fairness, respect and required support - in 2012.

In 2021, the council received a silver award under a Ministry of Defence employer recognition scheme with Cllr Taylor stating it was “progressing well” towards the gold standard that was available.