Help spread the word: Council appeal to reach local LGBT veterans before deadline
Cotswold District Council is asking residents to help spread the word and reach LGBT veterans in the district who could be eligible for recognition for the way they were treated while serving in the Armed Forces.
Between 1967 and 2000, LGBT people were prohibited from serving openly in HM Armed Forces. Those affected can now apply for financial recognition and other restorative measures, but the schemes are due to close on 12 December 2026.
The appeal follows a letter from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who has asked councils across the country to help the Ministry of Defence reach veterans who may be eligible before time runs out.
Cotswold District Council leader Cllr Mike Evemy said some of those eligible may be difficult to reach through the usual channels, but stressed the Council wanted to do everything it could to make sure any affected veterans living locally do not miss their chance to apply.
Almost 1,700 individual veterans across the UK had applied to the Financial Recognition Scheme by 24 August, but the Ministry of Defence is concerned that others could remain unaware of the support available. Some of those affected may not consider themselves veterans or have any connection with current Armed Forces or LGBT networks, making them particularly difficult to reach.
The Council is urging people across the Cotswolds to share the message with friends, relatives and community networks, particularly anyone who served in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 and may have been affected by the ban.
Those eligible could receive financial recognition of up to £70,000, depending on their circumstances. Non-financial restorative measures are also available to people affected by the ban.
Cllr Evemy said: “We know some of the people we need to reach may be beyond the usual networks, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do everything we can to find ways of getting this message to them. If there are veterans here in the Cotswolds who are entitled to this recognition, we want to make sure they have the opportunity to apply.
“Some people may have spent decades putting what happened behind them and may not think of themselves as veterans or realise that these schemes are open to them. With the deadline fast approaching, we need everyone’s help to spread the word.
“If you, a friend, family member or anyone in your community could have been affected, please take a few minutes to find out more. We don’t want anyone locally who is entitled to recognition to miss out simply because they didn’t know about it.”
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible, or knows someone who could be, can find information about the schemes, eligibility and support available at affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk.