A SCHEME that provides housing benefit and council tax support for war veterans and widows of those who lost their lives in the line of duty will continue after being backed by Basildon Council.
The decision means 100 per cent of any war disablement pension or a war widow’s pension will not be included when it comes to carrying out local benefits assessments – allowing eligible residents to receive full housing benefit and council tax reduction.
Current national policy only disregards the first £10 of income from these pensions.
Local authorities have the power to modify the scheme to disregard some or all of the war disablement pension or war widow’s pension.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Gavin Callaghan, said: “Basildon Council has a long and proud tradition of supporting those who served their country and the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.
“That’s why we’re delighted to continue to show our support, particularly ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, and once again go above and beyond the national framework by committing to disregard 100 per cent of these pensions from any benefit assessment – helping put more money in their pockets.”
War disablement pensions are paid to those who have been disabled or injured, either from their service or from wartime conditions. War widow’s pensions are paid where a husband, wife or civil partner have died as a result of them serving in the armed forces.
The announcement comes ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday 28 June. The decision was taken at the council’s Cabinet meeting last month.
The council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012 to encourage support for the Armed Forces Community working and residing in Basildon and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of this Armed Forces Community.
