Council extends help to Armed Forces
Lancaster City Council is extending the help it gives to members of the Armed Forces who have been injured, or to the surviving partners of those killed, while in the service of their country.
Lancaster City Council is extending the help it gives to members of the Armed Forces who have been injured, or to the surviving partners of those killed, while in the service of their country.
Since 1989 the city council has used its discretion to disregard income received by recipients of War Widow/Widower’s pension and War Disablement Pension when assessing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
The discretion is now being extended to apply to anyone receiving payments under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
Coun Roger Mace, leader of the council and cabinet member with responsibility for Revenue Services, said: "This decision will ensure that all those suffering injury, ill health or the loss of a partner as a result of service in the Armed or Reserve Forces will receive similar treatment, no matter when this occurred. It is an important recognition that sacrifice by those on active service in recent and current conflict situations is no less significant than sacrifices that occurred in the world wars of the last century."
The decision to disregard payments received under the AFCS, which provides help to those who suffer injuries, ill health or death due to service in the Armed Forces or Reserve Forces on or after 6 April 2005, is entirely within the council’s discretion.
It is in excess of that which would be awarded by following the national scheme, which contains a statutory disregard of £10 from this income.
For more information please contact Viv Mason, Benefits and Customer Services Manager, on 01524 582252 or email vmason@lancaster.gov.uk
Date Updated: 19/03/09