25th September 2007
Des Browne MP announces Forces Council Tax Relief
Defence Secretary and local MP, Des Browne has announced that Armed Forces personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit from a from a tax-free rebate on the cost of council tax in new measures.
All troops who pay council tax for a property in the UK will receive financial support through a flat-rate rebate payment over a six month tour of £140 - worth 25 per cent of the average Band D Council tax bill. The rebate will be added to the tax-free Operational Allowance paid at the end of an operational tour in Afghanistan or Iraq. The new measures will be introduced from October and first payments will be made from 1 April 2008.
I am delighted to announce a further enhancement to the operational welfare package. Armed Forces personnel who pay Council tax and who deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan will be entitled to a tax free payment of £140. This payment is designed to offset around 25 per cent of their Council Tax payments whilst they are on operations. It underlines the Government's commitment to support our Armed Forces and their families.
He added
We intend to extend this payment to all those deployed overseas on operations next year.
The announcement was made along with the news that an extra £80 million will be allocated to a £350 million project to improve living accommodation for members of the Armed Forces.
