Issue - meetings

To give guidance on additional service initiatives to explore.

Consideration was given to a report informing Members that the Council had recently become a signatory to a Cheshire wide Community Covenant, which is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the civilian community and the Armed Forces Community. It was highlighted that in keeping with the principals of the Covenant, it would be appropriate to develop a local action plan detailing those measures which are/could be in place to support service personnel, to reinforce this, a notice of motion was submitted to Council by Councillor Baxendale.

It was noted that to help promote the services available a webpage had been set up on the Councils internet, which provided some links and general information. Councillor Baxendale indicated that he wished for a dedicated web site to be established which would link all authorities together. Following a detailed debate it was noted that he would pursue this outside of the meeting.

With regard to strategic housing, several Members felt that priority should be for those who have a current or historical link to the borough, it was agreed that that the Environment and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee be requested to look at the housing allocation policy for service personnel.

It was also agreed that Children’s and Families Scrutiny Committee be requested to look at school admissions for service personnel.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted and the comments highlighted above be reported to Cabinet.

2.    That Environment and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee be requested to look at the housing allocation policy for service personnel.

3.    That Children’s and Families Scrutiny Committee be requested to look at school admissions for service personnel.