Armed forces support

We've signed the Armed Forces Covenant to make sure the armed forces community in Leeds gets the support they need.

Support we offer

Here are some of the ways we support the armed forces community in Leeds. The armed forces community includes regular and reservist members of the forces, veterans, and their families.

Council tax exemptions

There are council tax exemptions for UK armed forces and visiting armed forces in Leeds. Find out more about council tax discounts and exemptions.          

School place applications

We've made it easier for members of the armed forces to apply for their children's school places when they move to Leeds.          

Instead of waiting until you have moved, you can apply for your child's school place before you arrive.          

To get started, you will need to email us evidence of your armed forces role.          

We accept posting orders with quartering or unit addresses as proof that you are moving.          

For primary school places, send evidence to: startingprimary@leeds.gov.uk          

          

For secondary school places, send evidence to: startingsecondary@leeds.gov.uk          

          

Employment and skills support

We provide employment and training support for:          

  • current members of the armed forces
  • those who have left the service

We can help with:           

  • searching and applying for jobs
  • finding new ways to use your skills
  • getting training to develop more skills

Get more information or contact us on the Employment and Skills Leeds website External link.          

Flexible leisure centre membership

As a member of the armed forces you can sign up for an Active Leeds corporate premier discount membership, which is flexible and you can cancel it any time.          

This gives you access to council leisure centre facilities in Leeds for £24.95 a month. Find out more about corporate membership on Active Leeds External link.          

Support from other organisations

Lifeworks (employment support)

Lifeworks helps anybody who has served in the armed forces and their families to find new work opportunities, develop employment skills and build confidence. Get career advice on the LifeWorks website External link.

Reservist support

The Armed Forces Covenant provides advice for reservists on healthcare, finance, and maintaining their career. Get reservist support on the Armed Forces Covenant website External link.

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion provides expert guidance to members of the armed forces and their families – from recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life. Find your nearest Royal British Legion outreach centre External link.

Veteran and Families Hub

The Veteran and Families Hub provides information for all the services available to veterans and their families in Leeds. Find more information on the Leeds Directory. external link.

Veterans Gateway

Veterans Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans who need support. It puts veterans and their families in touch with organisations that can help with whatever they need including healthcare, housing, employability, finances, personal relationships and more. Get support on the Veterans Gateway website External link.

About the Armed Forces Covenant

The council has a proud and long history of association with the British Armed Forces and we recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the armed forces community.

We signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2012, which strengthens the partnership between Leeds City Council and the armed forces.

The armed forces community includes both regular and reservist members of the forces, former members of the forces, and their families.

The covenant aims to:

  • encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their area
  • nurture understanding and awareness in the public of the issues that can affect the armed forces community
  • encourage activities that help to integrate the armed forces community into local life
  • encourage the armed forces community to help and support their local community
  • provide the armed forces community with help and information about the support available to them

Find out more on the Armed Forces Covenant website External link.

Gold Award on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards employers who pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Leeds City Council were awarded the silver award in 2017 and in 2023 this was upgraded to the gold level.

We earned the gold award because we:

  • actively ensure that our workforce is aware of our positive employment policies that support military families
  • demonstrate support to mobilisations of reservists
  • provide at least five days additional leave for training for reservists

As an organisation we also positively promote the interests of the armed services community across a wide range of areas by:

  • organising high profile civic events and celebrations
  • supporting the military community in terms of housing and education
  • finding work with ourselves and other employers in the city
  • using our civic leadership to encourage others to do likewise

Contact us

Email

Armed.Forces@leeds.gov.uk


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