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Day commemorates Scots veterans War veterans in council tax boost
(1 day later)
Events are taking place around the country to mark the contribution made by those who have served in the armed forces. Elderly war veterans in Glasgow are to pay less council tax in recognition of their service to the country.
About 500 ex-servicemen and women are expected to take part in a rally in Glasgow as the city council marks the occasion for the first time. The move will be worth about £400,000 to about 500 families who will qualify for lower bills and higher benefits.
Those taking part range from a 94-year-old to young men and women who have served in recent times. The city council made the announcement on Friday as ex-servicemen and woman gathered in George Square to mark National Veterans' Day.
Veterans' Day is partly designed to raise public awareness. Around 500 people turned out for the day of music and entertainment, with many awarded special lapel badges.
There are currently about half a million veterans living in Scotland. The council plans to disregard all income from war pensions when calculating council tax and housing benefit.
Many of those gathering in Glasgow will receive their veterans lapel badges from Lord Provost Bob Winter. These men and women who risk their lives for our country deserve greater recognition for their work, and, sadly, in some cases for their sacrifices Councillor Bob WinterGlasgow Lord Provost Part of the costs will fall on the Department for Work and Pensions, with the remaining sum being met by the council. Lord Provost, Bob Winter, who served in the Royal Army Pay Corps during his National Service, said: "I want to make sure that the council and the people of Glasgow pay due respect to military personnel and their families.
They include 94-year-old Edward Greenan, a gunner on board the destroyer HMS Tumult during the Second World War. "These men and women who risk their lives for our country deserve greater recognition for their work, and, sadly, in some cases for their sacrifices.
Other Veterans Day events are being held on Friday or over the weekend in Aberdeen, Inverness and Kelso. "Changing our policy on council tax benefit is a relatively small gesture by the council that could have a big impact financially on hundreds of war pensioners and their families."
National Veterans' Day was launched in 2006 to mark their contribution to society and raise awareness of the issues affecting them.
Other Veterans Day events are being held in Aberdeen, Inverness and Kelso.