§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, under the provisions of the Local Government (Finance) Bill, a married couple residing in a chargeable dwelling where one spouse is serving abroad or away from home with the armed forces, will be entitled to a council tax discount.
§ Mr. KeyThere will be an entitlement to discount for service personnel serving away from home, whether abroad or elsewhere, if their sole or main residence is in the place where they are serving. This will be for the local authority to determine taking into account all the circumstances. I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the Department's guidance to local authorities on this subject.