Highland councillor urges housing aid for police.

A Highland councillor recently raised concerns about the challenges facing police officers in the Highlands and Islands when it comes to finding affordable housing. Councillor Karl Rosie wrote to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, urging him to take action to support these officers and help them benefit from existing tax exemption criteria.

Rosie highlighted the fact that the attractiveness of the Highlands and Islands has led to a surge in house prices and a shortage of long-term rental options, making it difficult for many police officers to afford housing in the areas they serve. This, in turn, has a negative impact on both their well-being and their ability to effectively carry out their duties.

In his letter to HM Treasury, Councillor Rosie emphasised the need for the Treasury and HMRC to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by officers in these regions and implement measures to support their housing needs without putting them under financial strain. He suggested that providing tax exemptions for essential accommodation would go a long way in easing the housing burdens faced by these officers.

Rosie pointed out that historically, rural police stations often provided housing for officers, but this practice has become unsustainable due to inflated rental costs and potential tax implications from HMRC. He stressed that the current situation not only affects serving officers but also poses challenges for their future, especially in cases of relocation or retirement.

He further highlighted that exemptions from tax for provided accommodation can be granted based on certain criteria, such as when accommodation is essential for employees to perform their duties effectively or when security concerns necessitate on-site residency. Given these criteria, Rosie argued that police officers in remote and island regions meet the necessary conditions for tax-exempt housing benefits.

In conclusion, Councillor Rosie urged the Chancellor to seriously consider his proposal and take proactive steps to address the housing challenges faced by police officers in the Highlands and Islands. By doing so, he emphasised that both the well-being of the officers and the efficient delivery of policing services in these communities can be ensured.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.