I have a client whose husband has recently been deployed to Afghanistan. They have some debt and I am helping with some related issues. I am aware that the above scheme came in from April this year but no one seems to know how to apply.

Have tried HMRC who, although have a Budget announcement on the website, deny it's existance and the council Taxation Department says it is nothing to do with them. Has anybody got any light to shed on this as I am getting a little frustrated.

i googled this - which advises ring the employer's helpline, who'd have guessed! : )

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2008/bn62.pdf

The rebate is paid as part of the soldier's operational allowance and is paid by The Ministry of Defence.

for background ... couple of related rightsnet news stories too -

Council tax rebate for armed forces personnel overseas: Scheme to be extended from April 2008, government announces (28 January 2008)

Armed forces personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to get council tax rebate: Ministry of Defence to make payments from April 2008 (25 September 2007)