Council tax halved for troops serving overseas

SERVICEMEN on certain overseas operations are having their council tax bills halved, the Ministry of Defence said.

The MoD is doubling Council Tax Relief (CTR) for personnel on eligible operations overseas, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, from tomorrow.

The move, which will include those on Operation Ellamy, the UK part of the Nato operation in Libya, is part of the military covenant announced in May.

Based on the average council tax in England, the boost amounts to 296 for an average six-month tour, the MoD said.

Principles of the covenant were incorporated in the Armed Forces Bill after Prime Minister David Cameron bowed to pressure to enshrine in law the state's duty to look after the welfare of the Armed Forces and their families.

Other measures being introduced include a Community Covenant scheme; an extra fund of 3 million per year to support schools catering for service children; and a Veterans Card.