According to a report released on Wednesday by Welsh Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Peter Black AM, the Welsh Government and local Councils must do more to 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.
From April 1st 2010 a 50% discount is available on second homes owned by Armed Forces personnel if they live in accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence. The measure was introduced in Wales after pressure from members of all parties, however little has been done to promote the discount to families who may be entitled.
Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates is calling for more action in Powys to promote the council tax benefit for troops:
“This commitment to our troops is an important one but we are failing to let them know that it is available. Only one claim has been made in Powys so there must be many armed forces personnel who are missing out on this entitlement, which could help make life easier for their families during these difficult times.
“Powys has taken welcome steps by promoting the benefit on the council website, by briefing staff and including the information in the annual council tax leaflet. But with such low take up from Powys, there is clearly more to be done.
“If Armed Forces Personnel and their families do not know that this discount exists, then they cannot ask for it and benefit from it. There needs to be more effective promotion of this benefit by the Welsh Government, local authorities and the Ministry of Defence. 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.”
