Commentary on provisions of Act Section 8: Armed Forces Covenant New section 343AF Sections 343AA to 343AD: power to add bodies and functions
New section 343AF provides that the Secretary of State may by way of regulations widen the scope of the duty in sections 343AA(1), 343AB(1), 343AC(1) and 343AD(1) by specifying additional persons or bodies who are subject to the duty, and by specifying additional functions in relation to which the duty applies. Subsections (2) to (11) contain further provision in respect of the power. Subsection (5) provides that any additional functions may be in areas other than housing, education or healthcare. Under subsection (7), the Secretary of State is required to consult relevant devolved administrations when exercising this power in devolved contexts and other appropriate stakeholders before exercising this power.
	Section 8(4) amends section 343B of the AFA 2006, in particular to provide for "relevant family members" for the purpose of the Armed Forces Covenant duties to be defined in regulations. Subsection (4)(c) inserts new subsections (4A) to (4C) into section 343B which include a requirement on the Secretary of State before making such regulations to consult relevant devolved administrations where the devolved context is affected and other appropriate stakeholders.
	Section 8(5) amends section 373 of the AFA 2006 to provide for regulations made under new sections 343AE(4), 343AF and 343B(4A) to be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.