We are proud to continue to support the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Credit Their Service campaign.
The initiative calls for an end to military compensation being treated as income when working out benefit eligibility for veterans.
This includes benefits paid by local councils, such as council tax reduction, housing benefit, discretionary housing payments and disabled facilities grants.
In Medway, military compensation is not treated as income for any of these benefits.
One of the early councils to lead the way
Hannah Pearce, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at the Royal British Legion, said: "We’re pleased that Medway Council were one of the early councils to lead the way and fully disregard military compensation from their means tests. RBL has published an interactive map, so everyone can see which councils across England have followed suit by changing their policies, to fully credit their service. During Armed Forces Week, it’s a timely reminder of the vital and ongoing role our Armed Forces play in serving this country. It’s only right that all parts of society, including local authorities, honour their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and ensure no veteran is disadvantaged."
Recognising the sacrifices
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “Medway has always had a long and proud history and relationship with the Armed Forces. Ensuring we treat those who have served our country fairly is incredibly important to us and me personally – and that is exactly what the Royal British Legion’s campaign calls on councils and government to do.
“In Medway, we are committed to recognising the sacrifices that our Armed Forces personnel and their families make, and will continue to offer all of the support and help we are able to.”
Continued support
Cllr Chrissy Stamp, Medway Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “As a veteran myself, I know the sacrifices people who serve in our Armed Forces have made and continue to make.
“Medway Council was proudly awarded the gold award from the Armed Force’s Covenant employer recognition scheme, but importantly our continued support for the Credit Their Service campaign highlights our wider commitment to the Armed Forces family here in Medway.”
Find out more about the Credit Their Service campaign on the RBL website.
Learn more about the Armed Forces Covenant and support the for the Armed Forces in Medway.