Leeds City Council Aligns Military Compensation with Civilian Awards in Benefits Assessment.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) has expressed gratitude towards Leeds City Council for fully embracing the recommendations of its ‘Credit Their Service’ campaign by no longer counting military compensation as income in benefits calculations. Initiated last year, the RBL’s ‘Credit Their Service’ campaign advocates for military compensation to be excluded from income assessments during welfare benefits means testing, aligning it with civil compensations like those for personal injury or medical negligence, which are already exempt.
Historically, 80% of local authorities in the UK have considered military compensation as income when determining eligibility for various benefits, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Disability Facilities Grants, and Discretionary Housing Payments. Although Leeds City Council had previously excluded military compensation from consideration for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support/Reduction, and Disabled Facilities Grants, a recent review has extended this exemption to include Discretionary Housing Payments, effective immediately.
Hannah Pearce, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at RBL said:
“We want to thank Leeds City Council for working with us and doing the right thing by veterans and the whole Armed Forces community. All councils in Great Britain have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and this is a really good example of the tangible difference councils can make to some of the poorest veterans in their community.”
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis said:
“As a council, we are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment that we reaffirmed only last year. We offer an exceptional package of support to members of the armed forces, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families, so we are pleased to be able to change how military compensation is classified when means-testing benefits. We take our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant seriously, so we are happy to be able to bring military compensation fully into line with civilian compensation awards.”
Leeds City Council Armed Forces Champions; Councillor Jane Dowson and Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe said:
“The Council is often praised by veteran organisations for its existing good practice, and this change highlights our continued dedication to the armed forces community. As a city, we are committed to improving our support offer for all members of the armed forces community, and to being an exemplar as both a service provider and an employer. No member of the armed forces, veteran, or their families, should feel like military service puts them at any disadvantage.”
The Royal British Legion (RBL) stands as a pillar of support for the United Kingdom’s armed forces community. Founded in 1921, this revered organization has been unwavering in its commitment to serve veterans, active service members, and their families. As the nation’s leading charity for those who have served and sacrificed, the RBL plays a crucial role in advocating for the armed forces community and providing essential services.
The Royal British Legion is at the forefront of advocacy for the rights of the armed forces community. Through impactful campaigns such as the ‘Credit Their Service’ initiative, the Legion works tirelessly to influence government policies and ensure fair treatment for service members and veterans. These campaigns aim to address disparities in how military compensation is treated within public benefits systems and seek broader reforms to improve the lives of those who have served.
Beyond advocacy, the Royal British Legion provides a broad spectrum of support services. These include financial assistance, mental health support, and career advice to help veterans transition back into civilian life. The organization also manages care homes for older veterans and offers dedicated support to injured and disabled veterans. Its annual Poppy Appeal is one of the most recognized charitable events in the UK, raising funds to support these vital services.
Commemoration remains a central aspect of the Royal British Legion’s mission. The organization plays a key role in national remembrance events, including Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten. The iconic red poppy, a symbol of remembrance and hope, is distributed by the RBL to honor those who have lost their lives in conflict.
The Royal British Legion also engages in educational outreach to ensure future generations understand the importance of remembrance and the realities of military service. This involves visiting schools, organizing events, and providing educational materials that teach the values of service and sacrifice.
As the Royal British Legion moves forward, it continues to adapt its services to meet the changing needs of the armed forces community. With a legacy that spans over a century, the Royal British Legion remains a beacon of hope and support, embodying the nation’s gratitude to those who have served. Through its comprehensive support and advocacy, the RBL ensures that the contribution of the armed forces is recognized and respected across the UK.
