Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with local authorities on the Government’s policy to further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) Ministers regularly discuss the Armed Forces Covenant with local authorities and representative bodies. MOD officials have written to Chief Executives and included local authorities from across the UK in group discussions on the Secretary of State's legislative proposals, to gather views and explain the impact of legislation, particularly with regard to new burdens. Individual meetings are also held with local authorities who request them. Collaboration will intensify further, as local authorities work with Government on guidance which will accompany legislation.