Today I called on the Government to make it easier for local authorities to give council tax discounts to servicemen returning from duty.

I raised the issue in a parliamentary debate when I asked a question of Andrew Robathan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence.

I asked him whether the Government would consider introducing legislation to allow councils to give council tax discounts to servicemen returning from duty.

At the moment, although that is possible, it is very difficult for them to do so.

The Government's response was encouraging.

In his reply, Mr Robathan said: "It is within the powers of any local authority to give a discount on council tax, should it wish to do so. I would welcome that if it improves the lot of our service personnel returning from operations."

Last December I called on the Government to introduce legislation that would allow councils to discount council tax to Special Constables. This would be a boost to the Special Constabulary.

It would act as an incentive and would give something back to those Specials who do so much to give their efforts to communities.



Posted By Blogger to Rob's Blog at 11/14/2011 07:27:00 PM