Special ceremony will follow in September
An Armed Forces Community Covenant for Merton was unanimously agreed at full council this week (Wednesday July 10).
The covenant details how the council and local organisations will support members of the armed forces and their families, recognising their contribution and sacrifices.
Merton has already amended its housing allocations scheme to give more priority for rehousing veterans.
A civic signing ceremony with leading politicians, voluntary and business representatives and representatives of the armed forces is planned for September.
Councillor Edith Macauley, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Equalities and Engagement said: "Signing up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant is not only the right thing to do to show support for the armed forces and the great things that they do for our country. It is also a way of integrating veterans back into civilian life and gives the armed forces an opportunity to contribute to community cohesion in the borough. It was great to see an armed forces presence at the Mitcham Carnival.:
Councillor Maxi Martin, who organises Merton's annual Armed Forces Day parade, added: "I am pleased the community covenant was agreed by all councillors. We are committed to doing all that we can to support the members of the armed forces, veterans and their families to have a good quality of life in the borough. The recent Armed Forces Day parade was a great success and brought the local community together.!
July 12, 2013