Veterans and Armed Forces Covenant

Veterans

“Veterans are defined as anyone who has served for at least one day in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

 

“A ‘Service Leaver’ is a term for someone who is in transition from or has ceased to be a member of HM Armed Forces. The term ‘Service Leaver’ is typically used in legal documents, as understanding and use of the term ‘veteran’ does vary, not least amongst those who have served. Many former Armed Forces personnel in the UK do not define themselves as ‘veterans’.”

 

Office for Veterans’ Affairs, UK Government

The Office for National Statistics estimated that in 2021 there were 1.8 million veterans in households across the UK representing about 7% of all households. Almost one-third (31.8%) were aged 80 years and over, while 37.3% were aged 50 to 69.

In Wales, Conwy was the local authority with both the highest proportion of veterans (5.9%) and the highest proportion of households with at least one veteran (10.2%). Pembrokeshire was second highest for proportion of veterans (5.7%), and the Isle of Anglesey was second highest for proportion of households with at least one veteran (9.9%). These local authorities all contain or are located near military establishments, suggesting that UK armed forces veterans tend to stay in the same areas after they have left service.

Armed Forces Covenant

“The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve and have served, and their families, should be treated fairly.”

 

UK Government

There is specific emphasis on employment, health, justice system and housing. A combination of devolved and non-devolved services but which applies to all public sector organisations, third sector and some private, such as financial institutions. All 22 Local Authorities in Wales have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. There are 7 Armed Forces Liaison Officers covering all Local Authority areas in Wales and an Armed Forces Champion in each Local Authority area.

Legislation

• Armed Forces Act 2011: The Armed Forces Covenant was enshrined in law, to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged as a result of service when accessing Government and commercial services. Special consideration where appropriate for those injured or bereaved.
• The Armed Forces Act 2021 introduced a new requirement for some public bodies, including the NHS and local authorities, to pay ‘due regard’ to the principles of the Covenant when carrying out specific public functions in the areas of housing, healthcare and education.

The Armed Forces Covenant website contains details about Covenant legal duties. Statutory guidance has been published by the Ministry of Defence.

Training and awareness raising

• Welsh Government: Armed Forces and veterans
• Veterans’ Gateway: YouTube – Being defined as homeless
• Ministry of Defence: YouTube – About the Armed Forces Covenant

Useful Links

Help and Support

For victims, families and concerned people

This Welsh Government guide provides information and contacts for the Armed Forces community living in Wales.

Veterans UK provide help, support and advice for veterans as part of the Ministry of Defence.

Royal British Legion can be called on 0808 802 8080. They provide help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.

Support for veterans should be available through the Local Authority (see Directory) as part of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Content last reviewed – April 2026