NI soldiers to get rates rebate

By Johnny Caldwell
BBC News

Soldiers who benefit have to be on a six-month tour of duty

NI soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are to benefit from a rebate on their rates bills, BBC News understands.

It follows an announcement that armed forces personnel from elsewhere in the UK are to get £140 back after paying council tax.

"This scheme is still under development," said a MoD spokesman.

"As part of this process we will look at the rating system in Northern Ireland."

It is thought that £140 will also be paid to every soldier who pays rates on a property in Northern Ireland and is serving at least a six-month tour of duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

The MoD spokesman said the Army was currently considering extending the rates/council tax reduction scheme to "other operational theatres".

Tax-free

The soldiers will receive the rebate via their tax-free Operational Allowance paid at the end of an operational tour, with the first payments to be made from 1 April, 2008.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "It underlines the government's commitment to support our armed forces and their families."

Last week, the head of the Army, Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, said parades which greet American soldiers upon arriving home should also be considered in the UK.