We are committed to providing fair and accessible services to all members of our community. This includes members/reservists of the armed forces and their families.
To show our commitment we have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant (Gov.uk). This is in addition to the Community Covenant that, as part of the Fife Partnership, we made a pledge to in 2011.
By signing up to these covenants we agree to make sure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly, and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public services due to their military service.
In particular, the Covenant addresses that we will:
- provide support to the spouses and partners of serving personnel who often face challenges when seeking employment.
- acknowledge the specific challenge and commit to meet the housing and educational needs of service families as these can also be different from those of the general public.
- as an employer, we will provide and support current employees who are members of the Reserve Forces.
As part of the Covenant the armed forces community are also encouraged to do as much as they can to support the communities they live in and promote activities which help integrate the service community into civilian life.
Other support
"At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them."
Every year, on the 11 November at 11am we come together on Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, to remember the people who have died in wars. It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.
As a council we observe the two minutes silence on 11th November and our councillors and Provost attend local services on Remembrance Sunday, this is usually the second Sunday in November.
Poppy Scotland and The Royal British Legion also provide vital support for service families, veterans and those currently serving.
Veterans Scotland
Life after leaving the Services can bring new challenges, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for the right support. Veterans Scotland brings together information, guidance, and contacts to help Veterans and their families find the help they need.
Applying for a house
We're committed to supporting veterans and helping them secure settled accommodation after being discharged from the Armed Forces.
Our properties are allocated using a points system and if you are being discharged from the Armed Forces or can no longer stay in army accommodation, you will be given points. Read more on our Advice for applying for a house page.
Education support for service families
All through our lives, we live with and manage change. Our staff in nursery, primary and secondary schools understand the challenges facing children of the armed forces on the move. They are committed to ensuring that your child experiences a smooth transition that reduces any interruption to their educational progress.
Whether it is for the first or the sixth time, moving house and school can be a significant challenge for children and young people. The transition can offer new experiences, opportunities and friendships but may also represent leaving people, places and things that were important and familiar. Moving can also be hard work, stressful and demanding for you as parents, especially if you are leaving extended family members, childcare supports, jobs and a house or town you have been settled in.
There are usually lots of practicalities to sort out, plan and organise. Ensuring that children are settled and positive throughout the change process is a key priority for parents and one which our schools will do their best to support.
Fife Council’s Education and Children's Services Directorate has well-established links with the military bases in the area, Leuchars Station and RN Rosyth. Our schools work closely with military welfare offices to ensure that the children of service families are well supported when they move to or from Fife.
Read more on the Education page.
Useful links
Council tax for the armed forces
