Defence Secretary Des Browne announced that all Armed Forces personnel deployed on operations overseas will now benefit from a tax-free payment on the cost of Council Tax.
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.
The locations covered in the extension of the scheme are Bahrain, Bosnia, British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Diego Garcia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Royal Navy personnel onboard ships in receipt of Deployment Welfare Package (Overseas) and personnel deployed on UN operations.
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. This will be 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.
