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WHITEHALL

MPs reject call for army vet checks

Parliament has rejected calls for a duty on local public bodies to ask service users whether they are military veterans when accessing services.

Parliament has rejected calls for a duty on local public bodies to ask service users whether they are military veterans when accessing services.

MPs rejected the idea during the second reading of the Armed Forces Bill last week.

In written evidence, the Local Government Association warned that councils and local bodies could struggle to identify armed forces veterans or reservists who sometimes require additional support – for issues like drug and alcohol dependency – if they are not given better information. Ministers rejected the proposal as too onerous.

WHITEHALL

Tackling Incivility: A leadership priority for local government

By Robin Tuddenham | 25 March 2026

Robin Tuddenham says those working in local government are facing rising incivility, threats and behavioural challenges – and it is time for the sector to co...

WHITEHALL

Missions mirage

By Jonathan Werran | 18 March 2026

The absence of a genuine national growth plan and an accompanying plausible narrative is a block on any strong prospect of local economic revival, argues Jon...

WHITEHALL

Why empowered councils can inspire the electorate

By Sir Bob Neill | 18 March 2026

Devolving more funding is the answer to improving the lacklustre turnout at local elections, says Sir Bob Neill.

WHITEHALL

Ensuring people take pride of place

By Andrew Laird | 17 March 2026

To successfully deliver the Pride in Place programme communities need to be prioritised in both governance and delivery, say Professor Donna Hall and Andrew ...

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