Plan for Change in Sandwell: National Security
National security begins with the commitment of the men and women who serve in our armed forces — and in Sandwell, we honour that commitment every day. From community events to formal Council motions, Sandwell is stepping up its support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
National Security is a foundation for Labour’s Plan for Change and we will never compromise on keeping Britain safe. Labour’s Plan for Change has delivered the biggest Armed Forces pay rise in decades, a new Veterans Strategy, and a Defence Housing Strategy. Defence spending is at its highest sustained level since the Cold War, with NATO commitments being met and exceeded. Sandwell’s local commitment works alongside this national investment.
Going for Gold: Sandwell’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Community
In March 2026, Councillor Keith Allcock proposed the “Going for Gold: Sandwell’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Community” motion at Full Council. This motion aims to secure the Gold Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme — the highest tier of formal recognition for organisations that go above and beyond in their support for the armed forces community.
Achieving Gold status would mean Sandwell Council committing to tangible actions across housing, employment, welfare, and access to services for veterans, reservists, serving personnel, and their families.
The Armed Forces Covenant in Sandwell
Sandwell’s Armed Forces Covenant partnership board — chaired by the Mayor — brings together the council, local charities, and partner organisations to coordinate support across the borough. Practical support includes priority consideration for housing, access to employment and skills programmes, welfare advice, and Council Tax discounts for eligible veterans.
Read More
– National Plan for Change: National Security
– Going for Gold motion — Full Council
– Sandwell Armed Forces Community Covenant
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Economic Stability
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Taking Back Our Streets