Councillor lambasts Sinn Fein Minister for being ‘disrespectful’ to army personnel
A Lisburn councillor has lambasted a Stormont minister for being “disrespectful” to British army personnel seeking rates relief.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has sought to gain a review by the Minister of Finance John O’Dowd on housing costs for locally based servicemen and women.
However, a one-line response from the Minister has been met with concerns in the city known as the NI home headquarters of the British army.
Councillor Gary Hynds said: “There is one part of support for British army personnel that remains ongoing and that is the issue of rates.
“I ask that we maintain pressure on the Minister of Finance on the issue and update elected members when a substantive response is received.
“I’ve seen the reply to us so far and I have to say I think it is nothing short of disrespectful to everyone concerned.”
A motion previously approved at the Lagan Valley Island chamber looked to provide rates relief to personnel whilst they are on duty away from home.
The letter response from Minister O’Dowd seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service states: “There is no Executive agreement on the Armed Forces Covenant.”
A further council query on the matter has been sent to the minister, but the LDRS understands a response is yet to be received.
The Armed Forces Covenant specifically relates to issues around housing, education and healthcare.
The UK wide Act imposes a statutory duty upon specified bodies to have due regard to principles of the covenant.
Killultagh Sinn Fein Councillor Gary McCleave said: “I want to reiterate our position on this matter.
“The use of the Armed Forces Covenant, we feel places British armed forces ahead of everyone else, ahead of doctors, nurses, teachers, and for us that is wrong and it is not something that we can support.”
The Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn is the headquarters of the British Army in Northern Ireland.
Service men and women in NI are left to pay their full rates for their homes even though other soldiers from the UK are not.
Committee chairperson Paul Porter said: “I think if we couldn’t do this it would be an indictment.
“It would send out a message to our veterans and service personnel that we as a council are here for you.”