Council to change benefits calculation for veterans

Councillor Lawrence Elliot, who introduced the motion, was previously the council's Armed Forces Champion

Swindon Borough Council has voted to change its policy on benefits to veterans, enabling them to receive more funds.

Currently, war pensions and military compensation paid to veterans are counted as part of their income when assessing eligibility and amount due.

This is not the case for civilians who are paid compensation for injury or illness caused by work, meaning veterans are paid less in benefits.

A report is expected to outline the plan "within a few months".

'Supporting our veterans'

The motion, introduced by Conservative councillor Lawrence Elliot, is based on the Royal British Legion's Credit Their Service campaign and seconded by Labour councillor Junab Ali, receiving cross-party support.

Mr Elliot said: “In Swindon, there are 2,250 veterans in receipt of compensation or a war pension.

“I could not imagine the horror of serving in a war zone, but military veterans have kept us safe and continue to keep us save through their service.

“We should credit their service by making sure compensation payments should not be treated as income as benefits are means tested.”

Mr Ali, who was recently named the council's new Armed Forces Champion said: "We should be supporting our veterans at their time of need.

"I look forward to working with all councillors of whatever political party to make Swindon a great place for our veterans.”

The 'Building a Fairer Swindon' committee has been tasked with investigating the impact of simplifying the rules by using discretionary powers granted to councils to exempt all compensation awards for injury or illness acquired in service from benefits calculations.

This includes housing benefit, council tax support, discretionary housing payments, and disabled facilities grants.