BASILDON Council has committed to making it easier for war veterans and their families to access the help and support they need. 

A new one-stop online resource, called the Veteran’s Guarantee, pulls together all the council’s information and policies that affect members of the armed forces, such as how to find local affordable and specialist housing, getting training and career advice, or accessing housing benefit and council tax support. 

The announcement comes ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday 28 June.  

Leader of the Council, Councillor Gavin Callaghan, said: “Basildon Council is committed to supporting veterans and we want to make it easier for members of the armed forces to find information relevant and helpful to them – and the Veterans Guarantee does just that. 

“It’s fitting we can announce this ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day as we mark the invaluable contribution and sacrifice these individuals have made – and continue to make – in the name of His Majesty and the United Kingdom.” 

The Veteran’s Guarantee was agreed at June’s cabinet meeting. 

The news comes after Basildon Council recently announced its commitment to continue providing additional housing benefit and council tax support for war veterans and widows. 

Cllr Callaghan added: “We’re proud to lead the way and go above and beyond our legal duties as a council. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it makes sense having everything in one, simple to find place.” 

Since August 2020, the council has been a silver award holder in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which publicly recognises an organisation’s efforts to support military personnel issues, such as employing reservists and veterans, while encouraging others to do the same. 

Visit www.basildon.gov.uk/VeteransGuarantee for more information.