Council Tax relief extended to all troops on operations
Tuesday 29th January 2008
All Armed Forces personnel deployed on operations overseas will now benefit from a tax-free payment on the cost of Council Tax, Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP and Secretary of State Des Browne has announced.
The Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP said:
"I am delighted to be able to announce the extension of the council tax rebate to all our personnel deployed overseas. This will benefit an additional 4,500 people. I cannot commend enough the effort and commitment of our forces working abroad and away from their families, and this council tax rebate is another example of our commitment to provide the best welfare support for the Armed Forces and their families."
This extends eligibility for the payment, which was first announced in September 2007 for those deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Council Tax payment scheme will now benefit an additional 4,500 troops deployed overseas.
Troops who pay Council Tax for a property in the UK or Contributions in Lieu of Council Tax for Service Family Accommodation will receive financial support through a relief payment, based on the number of days in theatre, and worth some £140 over a six month tour. The extension of the scheme will be effective from 1 April 2008, with payments backdated to 1 February 2008.
