Veterans living in Hammersmith & Fulham can apply for a 25 per cent reduction on next year's council tax bills as we honour the brave men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces.
The veterans' discount of 25 per cent will apply to council tax bills for the 2026-27 billing period. It comes as we prepare to pay our respects on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a special event in Hammersmith's Ravenscourt Park on Saturday (10 May).
On VE Day in H&F, we will pay special tribute to the defeat of the Nazis after the Allies bravely stopped their horrific regime of oppression and persecution in Europe. A full list of events is below.
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces, reserves, veterans and their families.
Cllr Rowan Ree, H&F Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, said:
Freedom does not come free of charge. This tax cut is a small but fitting way to honour our veterans – who were prepared to pay the ultimate price in defending this country, for which the whole borough is immensely grateful."
Sacrifices
It was in Hammersmith & Fulham that the D-Day landings were planned (PDF, 1.14MB) by General Montgomery and others. On 15 May 1944, the plans were presented to General Eisenhower at the former site of St Paul's School in Hammersmith Road, in the presence of King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
In 2022, NATO chose White City for the headquarters of its Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) team. Based in the White City Innovation District in Imperial College London's I-HUB building, the prestigious military headquarters continues the strong legacy of the Armed Forces in the borough.
The council tax announcement was welcomed by Major Rudy Vandaele-Kennedy, of the H&F-based Coldstream Guards regiment, who said: "The veterans in the Hammersmith & Fulham community have given much for the benefit of our country and our people.
"They have made many sacrifices and done things for the benefit of others and put the needs of others before themselves. This a strong recognition of their service which will be much appreciated by them and will help them as well."
And Hannah Pearce from the Royal British Legion said: "This initiative is a good example of the tangible difference councils can make to their local Armed Forces community. My colleagues and I look forward to continuing to work with H&F, and all councils, to implement practical measures like this to improve the lives of the Armed Forces community. We are excited to see the positive impact that councils can have on the lives of those who serve, have served and their families."
Support for Armed Forces
H&F Council is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served and their families are treated fairly, and to support the forces through services, policy and projects.
This support includes:
- providing a housing ladder of opportunity for veterans who need to access affordable social housing
- assisting with requests for adapted homes for wounded soldiers
- supporting and recognising the achievement of staff who volunteer in military reserve units.
How it works
The 25 per cent council tax discount applies for 2026-27 bills for local veterans who hold a qualifying HM Armed Forces Veteran card and apply before 31 May.
As the discount applies to individuals, whereas council tax is levied on properties, where there are two additional adults liable for the full rate of council tax in a household, the discount will not affect the overall amount due.
For veterans living alone, this discount will apply on top of the existing single person discount, so they will pay just half of the full rate of council tax.
If you think you're eligible, please submit the expression of interest form here:
Send your expression of interest
VE Day events
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we are holding a week-long series of events, culminating in a free family fun day in Hammersmith's Ravenscourt Park on Saturday 10 May.
Find more details here on our VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations webpage.
