Ipswich Borough Council improves services for past and present Armed Forces personnel

Published28th September 2022

A better deal for serving and former members of the Armed Forces is being delivered by Ipswich Borough Council after a review.

The Council’s Executive meeting on 4 October will formally approve its response to the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlining improvements which have been made to:

  • make the special version of the Council’s iCard – the Military iCard – even better with time restrictions relaxed to allow gym usage all day from Monday to Friday at the Council’s Sports Centres. Free Military iCard access to Crown Pools gym will continue to be restricted to 9-5pm from Monday to Friday. Free all-day gym usage with this iCard is already available across all sites on Saturdays and Sundays.

  • shortlist for a job interview when an application is received from serving or former military personnel and the candidate meets the essential criteria.

  • work towards and then apply to be recognised as a Silver Employer under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, and once this has been achieved, consider whether to apply for Gold status.

A dedicated Council webpage has also been set up to provide information to veterans and which includes a directory of voluntary and community sector support advice as well as guidance on benefits and Council Tax.

Councillor Alasdair Ross, Armed Forces Champion and Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Community Protection and Health, says:

"I would like to thank the councillors and officers who participated in this review. Our current and former service men and women deserve our recognition and support. I am pleased that we can play our part and enhance our support through these recommendations."

Councillor Liz Harsant, Strategic Overview & Scrutiny Chair, says:

“It’s great that we in Ipswich have been able to extend our already good offer to our service men and women, both current and former. I welcome these proposed improvements to the iCard, job interviews and other employment standards.”

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Photo – Grafton House, Ipswich Borough Council. Photo Credit – Ipswich Borough Council