An independent councillor in Lisburn North plans to submit a motion at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council this week. The motion calls for support to address domestic rates payments for soldiers based in Northern Ireland who deploy abroad.

Councillor Gary Hynds wants the council to contact Sinn Fein Finance Minister John O’Dowd. The request seeks a review of the rates system as it applies to serving military personnel. The council would also explore further assistance for armed forces members.

Soldiers living in Northern Ireland pay full domestic rates on their homes during overseas deployments. No specific relief exists in the Northern Ireland rates system for such cases.

In contrast, service personnel elsewhere in the UK receive council tax assistance from the Ministry of Defence during deployments. A 50 percent discount also applies to second homes left empty when personnel live in barracks.

Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn serves as the headquarters for the Army in Northern Ireland. Hynds noted that serving personnel contacted him about financial strains from extended absences due to duty.

Hynds stated that military families in the area have served with distinction. He emphasized the need for consistent treatment across the UK for those who serve.