A COUNCIL has signed up to a national pledge to provide housing for servicemen and women.

Hartlepool Borough Council has committed itself to the national Armed Forces Housing Pledge which means that housing providers agree to seven core principles of providing fair housing access to military and ex-military men and women.

The signatories agree to recognise service personnel in their own category, ensure housing policy gives them priority, provide them with a consistent offer and provide personal support for them.

Signing the Pledge on behalf of Hartlepool council, Allan Barclay, the authority's Armed Forces Champion, said: “Hartlepool has a very long and proud tradition of supporting our Armed Forces.

“Back in 2012 the Council was proud to sign up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which was a clear demonstration of the town’s support for the Armed Forces both past and present and recognition of the sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel.

“The Council’s commitment to support our Armed Forces remains as strong as ever, which is why I am delighted to sign the Armed Forces Housing Pledge.”