10 August 2009

Murphy delighted at council tax decision for Armed Forces families

Paul Murphy has expressed his delight that the Welsh Assembly has agreed to stop Armed Forces families in Wales having to pay more Council Tax than their English and Scottish counterparts.

The news comes following the successful campaign run by seven MPs, including the MP for Torfaen, which sought to give service families with additional armed forces accommodation a 50% discount on the Council Tax on their family homes.

Paul Murphy said: “I am delighted at this announcement. The actions and sacrifices of our service men and women should be rewarded, not penalised.”

In his letter to the campaign group, Welsh Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons stated:

“I am aware of the inconsistency in the treatment of armed forces accommodation across England, Scotland and Wales and that in Wales it appears such military personnel are disadvantaged.

“I would like to confirm to you that I have given this matter my full consideration and I have decided that council tax relief for service personnel with second homes in Wales should be offered the same conditions as that offered in England.

“Therefore, the application of discounts on second homes of military personnel in Wales will be brought into line with those offered in England.”

Mr Murphy added: “The automatic 50% reduction on family homes is fair and right. I would like to thank Brian Gibbons for considering our case and arriving at such a prompt and just conclusion.”

Site designed and developed by Public Impact

Site promoted and issued on his own behalf by Paul Murphy MP. 73 Upper Trosnant Street, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8AU.
This site is paid for by the Communications Allowance available to MPs. Site admin