What do people think about this:

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Armed Forces personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit from a tax-free rebate on the cost of council tax in new measures announced by Defence Secretary Des Browne today.

All troops who pay council tax for a property in the UK will receive financial support through a flat-rate rebate payment over a six month tour of £140 - worth 25 per cent of the average Council tax bill. The rebate will be added to the tax-free Operational Allowance paid at the end of an operational tour in Afghanistan or Iraq. The new measures will be introduced from October and first payments will be made from 1 April 2008.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"I am delighted to announce a further enhancement to the operational welfare package. Armed Forces personnel who pay Council tax and who deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan will be entitled to a tax free payment of £140. This payment is designed to offset around 25 per cent of their Council Tax payments whilst they are on operations. It underlines the Government's commitment to support our Armed Forces and their families.

"We intend to extend this payment to all those deployed overseas on operations next year."
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I actually don't have a problem with this at all. I WILL have a problem if they extend this over the coming years to include all council workers and anyone working for the Government.

I certianly hope they DON'T extend this to all council workers. But I don't think they will try to.

does the council tax rebate include personnel on a four month tour of iraq or afghanistan?

Not sure; they say specifically a 6 month tour. Can I assume that back in September 2007 when this first announced that 4 month tours were common then as well? Far be it from me to suggest that they have left themselves some wriggle room, by only covering 6 month tours. Noone on a 4 month tour can benefit form that... hmmm.

I will see If I can find out.