Armed Forces Community Covenant scheme launched
Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed news that Oxfordshire has become the first area in the country to launch the Community Covenant scheme. External site: [Community Covenant scheme launched (MOD website)](http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/ArmedForcesCommunityCovenantSchemeLaunched.htm)
Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox published the Armed Forces Covenant on 16 May 2011 which outlined the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces and aims to improve support to the Armed Forces Community (which includes serving personnel, their families and veterans).
One of the key measures of the covenant was the launch of a Community Covenant scheme.
The launch of the first community scheme in Oxfordshire today will be followed by launches in the Vale of Glamorgan, Hampshire and North Yorkshire over the next two weeks, and in Portsmouth at a later date. The intention is that as many areas as possible should adopt Community Covenants.
The aims of the Community Covenant include:
- encouraging local communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas, and vice versa;
- promoting understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community;
- recognising and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community; and
- encouraging activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life.
£30 million of Government funding has been allocated over the next four years to support the Community Covenant scheme.