Causeway Coast & Glens Council to consider ‘blue lights’ personnel discount
Causeway Coast and Glens Council is to consider discounted access to Council-operated leisure services for armed forces and ‘blue lights’ personnel.
Members at September’s Council meeting were presented with a notice of motion by Deputy Mayor Sandra Hunter and seconded by her UUP colleague, Councillor John Wisener, which read: “Supporting our emergency services, armed forces personnel and veterans through leisure access, [council] recognises the immense contribution made by those who serve our communities and country, including members of the emergency services, serving armed forces personnel, reservists and veterans.
“These individuals dedicate themselves to protecting public safety responding to emergencies, often making significant personal sacrifices in doing so.
“Whilst council make public statements of support and appreciation which are important, meaningful actions which demonstrate that support locally are equally important.
“Therefore, I’m asking this council supports and agrees to instruct officers to investigate and implement the most appropriate and administratively efficient option from the following:
“Sign up to and participate in the Blue Light Card Scheme, enabling eligible emergency services personnel to access leisure related discounts and benefits within council-operated leisure facilities.
“Extend the commitments contained within the Council’s Armed Forces Covenant, by introducing a bespoke council leisure discount scheme for, employees of recognised Emergency Blue Light services, serving members of the armed forces, reservists and veterans.
“In developing either option, officers should determine which approach can be most effectively integrated within our council’s existing systems and resources, while ensuring value for money and ease of administration.
“Eligibility should be verified through appropriate evidence such as a current payslip, staff identification, recognised Blue Light Card for emergency service personnel, a veteran card, Ministry of Defence identification, or other recognised proof of service of armed forces personnel or veterans.
“Any personal information collected for the administration of the scheme shall be processed and retained in accordance with all relevant data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act of 2018.
“I believe this proposal will provide a practical demonstration from [council] of its commitment to those who protect, serve and support our communities across the borough, ensuring that this council’s support is reflected not only in words but in tangible actions that recognise and reward public service.”
Members will make a decision on the motion at a future Leisure and Development Committee meeting.