War pensioners keep benefits

The Royal British Legion is 'delighted'

War pensioners in Gloucestershire have won their battle not to have their benefits cut.

Cotswold District Council had voted to take pensions received by war widows and widowers into account when calculating their council tax and housing benefit.

After concerted pressure from the Royal British Legion and the War Widows Association, the decision has been overturned by 33 votes to one.

Of all the savings measures proposed, this was the only one overturned

Colonel Merritt
Royal British Legion

The measure would have saved £55,000 - part of the £2m in cuts the council has to make over the next three years. Some pensioners could have lost up to £20 a week.

Officials now say council tax may rise 9% next year as a result of further budgetary pressures.

Colonel Tim Merritt, county field officer for the Royal British legion, said the Legion was delighted.

"Action taken by the Legion and others has won the day.

Of all the savings measures proposed, this was the only one overturned," he added.

The council recently complained that its rise in government grants for next year was just above the guaranteed minimum and was the lowest in the county.

Council tax levels will be set in February.