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