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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Assembly Member calls on Welsh Government to give our troops their benefits
August 18, 2010 12:01 AM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Peter Black has called on the Welsh Government and local Councils to better publicise the new system of Council Tax discounts for Armed Forces Personnel after research revealed that only 15 families are claiming the 50% reduction across the whole of Wales.
The provision to allow all armed forces personnel a 50% council tax discount on their second home in Wales if they live in accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence was introduced from April this year after pressure from members of all parties. It is already available to families living in England. However, little has been done to promote the discount to families who may be entitled.
Mr. Black has produced a report which shows that a few local authorities have taken some extra steps to promote the discount, for example by briefing staff so that they may offer it to relevant households, and some have included details in their newspapers or leaflets. However a number are relying on Welsh Government and Ministry of Defence publicity, which appears to be minimal.
If Armed Forces Personnel and their families do not know that this discount exists, then they cannot ask for it and benefit from it. He concludes that there needs to be better and more effective promotion of this benefit by both the Welsh Government and local authorities.
"This commitment to our troops was an important one but we are failing to let them know that it is available," said Mr. Black. "The Welsh Government spent time changing the regulations but have failed to promote the benefit. Nor have Councils picked up the baton.
"The Welsh Assembly Government needs to work with local authorities and the Ministry of Defence to promote this Council Tax entitlement to all armed service personnel. As a nation we pride ourselves on the support we provide our armed forces personnel, so let's make sure this support is practical, not just on paper.
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