Veterans in H&F to Get a Quarter Off Council Tax
Council confirms move made to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
Remembrance service at Shepherd's Bush Green War Memorial in 2024. Picture: H&F Council
January 19, 2026
Armed Forces veterans are set to receive a 25per cent council tax discount from April this year. Hammersmith and Fulham Council said veterans living in the borough who hold a HM Armed Forces Veteran Card will be eligible for the discount.
The council said the move was “in recognition of the brave service of our nation’s Armed Forces” and to mark last year’s 80th anniversary of VE Day, a report before Cabinet shows.
It adds: “This measure reflects our deep gratitude to those who have served our country and ensures that our brave service veterans receive meaningful financial support as part of our commitment to an inclusive and compassionate borough.”
The Cabinet is expected to approve the measure when it meets on Monday (19 January ).
Hammersmith and Fulham Council announced the move in May and said vets holding a qualifying HM Armed Forces Veterans Card valid before May 31 are eligible for a 25 per cent discount for the 2026-27 billing period.
Veterans were asked to complete an expression of interest form before September 30. Completing the forms did not automatically entitle veterans to the discount, according to a council webpage.
The council is also set to continue providing 100pc support for the most vulnerable residents. According to the same report, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is one of a few councils to maintain this level of support despite cuts to funding by the Government.
The cost of the relief scheme is shared between the council and the Greater London Authority (GLA). It is estimated to cost £14.67m for the 2026/27 financial year, of which Hammersmith and Fulham Council will cover £10.27m, according to the report.
It comes as neighbouring Kensington and Chelsea Council voted to cut council tax relief for its most vulnerable working-age residents by 10per cent blaming a reduction in government funding.
Kensington and Chelsea Council said the cut will take effect this coming financial year (2026/27) and save it £441,000. This will not affect pensioners, who are covered by a statutory national relief scheme.
The change means some 5,000 residents will begin paying council tax for the first time. They’ll stump up between £123 and £164 a year, depending on their council tax band and living arrangements.
The council said it needs to help plug a £108m budget black hole – up from a previously predicted £82m gap – caused by changes to the way the Government funds local authorities.
Presenting the measure to Cabinet on Tuesday night (January 13), finance lead Cem Kemahli said the council had no choice but to reduce its council support relief programme.
He said: “We as Conservatives always believe people’s money is best placed in their pockets but equally we do understand people will now have to contribute to this challenge and being able to make even a small contribution will not only help us but it will help their neighbours and everyone around them to continue to receive some of the world-class services that this council is able to deliver.”
Adrian Zorzut - Local Democracy Reporter