West Lancashire Borough Council achieves ‘Silver Award’ from Ministry of Defence

West Lancashire Borough Council has been accredited with the prestigious Silver Award by the Armed Forces Covenant for its ongoing support for veterans. 

The award has been distributed under the Employer Recognition Scheme for the ongoing support to defence and the wider Armed Forces community. 

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to reward employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to do the same by hiring serving and former Armed Forces members and being flexible with training and mobilisation for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.  

Borough councils, including West Lancashire, play a key role in delivering the Armed Forces Covenant, focusing on Housing, Health and Education. West Lancashire Borough Council has systems in place to support the armed services.  

Additionally, the Council has met the targets of the Royal British Legion's 'Credit their Service' campaign, which ensures military compensation is no longer treated as income in welfare benefit means testing. 

West Lancashire Borough Council is among 47 North West businesses to receive this award, highlighting the region's dedication to supporting the Defence community. 

Councillor Paul Hennessy, Armed Forces Champion, said, “I’m delighted that as an employer and a local authority, we’re raising the bar when it comes to supporting our veterans. 

“It is only right that those who have served our country feel valued and heard. West Lancashire is a welcoming place for veterans and we will continue to uphold our standards of care and compassion to support our ex-service personnel who deserve our utmost respect.” 

“It has been an ambition of mine since coming into this post to enhance our council's support for veterans and the armed forces, particularly through our own employee recognition scheme. I'd like to thank the officers at the council, our partners in the covenant group and my councillor colleagues who have supported this drive, and of course, the great service personnel both past and present across West Lancashire."