Key Facts

• Clause 1 replaces section 382 of the 2006 Act with a proposed new section that extends its validity until 2031.
• The 2006 Act would expire on December 14, 2026, without this renewal.
• An Order in Council will annually continue the Act from 2027 to 2031.
• The amendment aims to ensure consistent access to public services for service people and their families.
• The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the national protocol before each House of Parliament no later than six months after the Armed Forces Act 2026 is passed.
• The protocol must set out standardised procedures and expectations for persons specified in section 343AZA(4) regarding the exercise of their functions.
• Amendment 5 aims to add a new section to the Armed Forces Act 2006.
• The amendment seeks to make access to services more consistent for armed forces families.
• Some councils have priority housing rules for veterans, while others require a local connection.
• Amendment 8 seeks to define 'due regard' as requiring public bodies to think about and place an appropriate amount of weight on the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
• The amendment would establish a common standard that can be applied across different public bodies.
• The definition aligns with existing legal interpretations of due regard in other contexts.
• Amendment 8 seeks to define 'due regard' within the Armed Forces Bill.
• Public bodies would be required to consider the armed forces covenant alongside other relevant factors when making decisions.
• The amendment aims to reduce ambiguity and ensure consistent application of the covenant across different public bodies.
• Alistair Carns wrote in a letter to the Committee about the importance of 'due regard' in bringing about positive change.
• Government Departments have removed local connection requirements for access to social housing for all veterans.
• The Valour programme involves local field officers helping with compliance and education on the covenant.
• The implementation of the covenant has been narrow across three Departments.
• The Bill will broaden the number of policy areas covered by the covenant to 12 plus two.
• A definition of 'due regard' risks being overly narrow and limiting how bodies apply it in practice.
• The current legal duty allows bodies to make decisions based on local context.
• A national protocol risks limiting tailored solutions that best meet local circumstances.
• Transparency is maintained through an annual armed forces covenant report.
• The amendments aim to address issues faced by service families who may need to move frequently across the UK.
• Amendment 11 requires regulations within six months after the passage of the Armed Forces Act 2026.
• Amendment 12 also mandates regulations within six months for continuity in adoption and fostering arrangements.
• Amendment 10 sets out regulations to secure continuity of secondary care within six months.
• The amendment ensures patients' clinical need transfers horizontally, not vertically downwards.
• It prevents the requirement for new referrals solely due to geographical movement.
• Service families face challenges in maintaining continuity of healthcare and educational services when they are required to relocate for operational reasons.
• Amendment 11 aims to allow serving families with a child who has an EHCP to transfer that support without penalty if they move between bases.
• The amendment seeks to prevent families from losing valuable documents like EHCPs, which provide important additional support for their children.
• 99% of appeals to SEN tribunals for an EHCP are eventually approved.
• Wolsey Park school is under construction and will open in spring next year for 150 children with severe or profound learning difficulties.
• The White Paper "Every child achieving and thriving" was published in February 2026.
• There are 482,640 children with an EHCP in England as of the academic year 2024-25.
• 5.3% of children in England currently qualify for an EHCP.
• The statutory override for local authority budgets related to SEN education was extended until March 2026 and will continue under central funding through 2027-28.
• The amendment relates specifically to the portability of EHCPs.
• The government has delineated three tiers of SEN support: targeted, targeted plus, and specialist support.
• According to the February 2026 White Paper, EHCPs will be provided only at the highest tier after reforms are completed.
• Amendment 11 seeks to make provision for guidelines by the Secretary of State within six months.
• Amendment 11 aims to ensure receiving authorities accept EHCP transfers and provide a reasonable period for school selection.
• A case is raised involving two serving majors unable to start adoption due to residency requirements in Northwood.
• Healthcare, education, adoption and fostering arrangements are devolved matters.
• The NHS has embedded armed forces covenant principles into its constitution.
• Op Restore and Op Courage provide bespoke pathways for the armed forces community.
• Wales and Scotland are considering updating their policies on cross-border care.
• Local authorities in England have a statutory duty to manage and transfer education, health, and care plans when children move between areas.
• Clive Efford asks if the shadow Minister will press amendment 11.
• The amendment requires local authorities to prepare an action plan within six months of the passage of the Armed Forces Act 2026.
• The Action Plan must outline steps to fulfill duties under the Armed Forces Covenant, assess local needs, and allocate resources.
• Local authorities must publish a report on progress at least once in each reporting period.
• Amendment 13 would require local authorities to prepare and publish detailed action plans within six months of the Act's passing.
• The amendment aims to establish clear expectations for delivering the armed forces covenant without imposing rigid bureaucratic processes.
• There are already established mechanisms like Covenant Community Action Groups, annual conferences, and a dedicated website supporting covenant delivery.