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WHITEHALL

MPs reject call for army vet checks

Parliament has rejected calls for a duty on local public bodies to ask service users whether they are military veterans when accessing services.

Parliament has rejected calls for a duty on local public bodies to ask service users whether they are military veterans when accessing services.

MPs rejected the idea during the second reading of the Armed Forces Bill last week.

In written evidence, the Local Government Association warned that councils and local bodies could struggle to identify armed forces veterans or reservists who sometimes require additional support – for issues like drug and alcohol dependency – if they are not given better information. Ministers rejected the proposal as too onerous.

WHITEHALL

Seeing the bigger picture

By Matthew Taylor | 11 February 2026

Matthew Taylor untangles the threads of the Government’s public service reform agenda.

WHITEHALL

Love your lawyers

By Heather Jameson | 04 February 2026

In an increasingly complex world, the role of a monitoring officer is tough. It can be isolating, exposed and difficult. Rachel McKoy tells Heather Jameson ...

WHITEHALL

Pillars that unlock purpose, unblock barriers

By Andy Begley | 18 December 2025

Andy Begley lays out the four pillars he believes are essential to accelerating transformation – showing why real progress depends on borrowing the best idea...

WHITEHALL

Who is responsible for regeneration?

By Jack Shaw | 16 December 2025

The regeneration landscape is ill-defined and fragmented, says Jack Shaw. Is there a need to clarify the role of local authorities in delivering projects?

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