Written evidence from the Welsh Assembly
Government
The Welsh Assembly Government welcomes the proposals
to introduce and develop a Covenant Report. It is important that
this is relevant to Armed Forces communities irrespective of where
they live. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to
an Armed Forces Covenant Report which recognises the Welsh Assembly
Government's work to support the wider Armed Forces community
in Wales. Any devolved issues are of course a matter for scrutiny
by the National Assembly for Wales. Our position is based on an
understanding that clause 2 of the Bill does not confer, remove
nor modify any functions of the Welsh Ministers. We are not requesting
any changes to the Bill as currently drafted.
My officials work regularly with the Ministry of
Defence on these matters. We are represented on the Armed Forces
External Reference Group overseeing the Covenant. Further to this,
you may wish to note that I have set up and Chair an Expert Group
on the Needs of the Armed Forces Community in Wales of which taking
forward the principles of the Covenant is an important aspect
of its work. The Group is attended by Dr June Milligan, Director
General for Public Service and Local Government Delivery, Welsh
Assembly Government, in her capacity as Armed Forces Advocate
for the Welsh Assembly Government, and has representation from
the three Services, their Families Federations, Ministry of Defence
and voluntary organisations which support the Forces community.
Carl Sargeant AM/AC
Minister for Social Justice and Local
Government
16 February 2011
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