Last amended by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 in 2022. 2 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Armed Forces Act 2021 enshrines the Armed Forces Covenant in law, requiring public bodies delivering housing, healthcare, and education to have due regard to the Covenant principles when exercising relevant functions. It ensures service personnel, veterans, and their families face no disadvantage compared to civilians.
Key Points
- Places Armed Forces Covenant on statutory footing (s.8)
- Requires specified public bodies to have 'due regard' to Covenant principles
- Applies to housing, healthcare, and education functions
- Covenant principles: no disadvantage from service; special provision where justified
- Secretary of State must issue statutory guidance to public bodies
- Annual report to Parliament on Covenant implementation
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2021 — The Armed Forces Act 2021 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2022
68 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2021 — The Armed Forces Act 2021 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2023
13 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2021 — The Armed Forces Act 2021 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2023
10 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2021 — The Armed Forces Act 2021 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022
5 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2022 — Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
2 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Armed Forces Act 2021 do regarding the Covenant?
- The Armed Forces Act 2021 places the Armed Forces Covenant on a statutory footing. It requires public bodies delivering housing, healthcare, and education to have due regard to Covenant principles when exercising their relevant functions. This ensures that service personnel, veterans, and their families do not face disadvantage compared to civilians.
- Which public bodies must follow the Armed Forces Covenant under this Act?
- The Act applies to specified public bodies that deliver housing, healthcare, and education. These bodies must have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and any statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State when exercising their relevant functions in these areas.
- What are the main principles of the Armed Forces Covenant?
- The core principles are that service personnel, veterans, and their families should face no disadvantage compared to civilians because of their service. Additionally, special provision may be made where it is justified. Public bodies must have due regard to these principles when exercising relevant functions.
- Who is responsible for issuing guidance and reporting on the Covenant?
- The Secretary of State is required to issue statutory guidance to public bodies on how to meet their duties. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must provide an annual report to Parliament on the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure accountability and transparency.
- When did the provisions of the Armed Forces Act 2021 come into force?
- The Act has been brought into force through several commencement regulations. The Commencement No. 3 Regulations 2022, No. 5 Regulations 2023, and No. 6 Regulations 2023 have all brought different parts of the legislation into effect, alongside the No. 2 Regulations 2022.