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
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
Flexible leisure centre membership
Support from other organisations
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.
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.
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.
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.
Silver 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.
At Leeds City Council we were awarded the silver award in 2017.
We earned the silver award because we:
- employ at least one person from the armed forces community
- actively ensure that our workforce is aware of our positive policies
- demonstrate support to mobilisations of reservists
- provide at least five days additional leave for training
We're now being considered for the gold award.
