The proposals include creating a register of local veterans and fallen service personnel whose names could be used for future roads, while also exploring how the authority can improve its support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families as an employer.
The motions, backed by Reform UK and Conservative councillors, will be considered by Full Council. If approved, both proposals would be developed further before any changes are introduced.
One motion, proposed by Reform UK councillor Andrew Cripps and seconded by Conservative councillor Alex Hughes, calls for the creation of a Swindon Veterans Naming Register.
The register would identify veterans and fallen service personnel with strong links to the borough who could be recognised through the naming of roads in future developments, including New Eastern Villages and Wichelstowe.
Those included would need to have been born in Swindon, lived in the borough or have another significant connection to the town, alongside military service and either having lost their life in service or made a notable contribution during their Armed Forces career.
Councillor Andrew Cripps said:
“Honouring those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, as well as in conflicts throughout our nation’s history, is not only a mark of respect but a duty we owe to those who served.
“By naming new roads and streets after our fallen service personnel, we can ensure their sacrifice becomes a permanent part of our town’s history. Future generations will see their names every day, ask who they were, and, through modern technology, be able to learn about the lives they lived and the service they gave.”
The proposal would see the council work with organisations including the Royal British Legion, Swindon Heritage and the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre to verify nominations before names are added to the register.
A separate motion, proposed by Conservative councillor Leanne Stevenson and seconded by Reform UK’s Simon Howard, focuses on improving the council’s support for the Armed Forces community through its employment policies.
Swindon Borough Council currently holds Bronze accreditation under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The motion calls for officers to investigate what would be needed for the authority to achieve Silver status.
If agreed, officers would have 180 days to prepare a report outlining the changes required and a timetable for making an application.
Councillor Leanne Stevenson said:
“Achieving Bronze accreditation was an important step for the Council. This motion is about building on that progress, examining what more we can do and setting out a clear pathway towards achieving Silver accreditation.”
Military veteran and Reform UK councillor Simon Howard said the proposal was about delivering practical support for those connected to the Armed Forces.
He said:
“Supporting our Armed Forces community must be about far more than words of gratitude. It requires meaningful action and a commitment to ensure that those who have served our country, and the families who support them, are treated with the respect, fairness and recognition they have earned.”
The motion also asks the council’s Armed Forces Champion to encourage parish and town councils across the borough to consider joining the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme after research found none currently holds Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation.
Councillor Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, said the council should “lead by example” in supporting the Armed Forces community and described serving personnel, veterans and military families as “a tremendous asset to our town.”
If Full Council approves the motions, neither proposal would be introduced immediately. Instead, detailed reports would be brought before Cabinet so councillors can consider the practical, financial and policy implications before deciding whether to proceed.
