Boris Johnson hands serving special constables £150 council tax cut

All 4,000 serving special constables living in London are to get a £150 council tax cut in reward for their service.

The payment can be backdated for up to three years meaning the volunteer police officers could get a maximum of £450 back.

Hundreds more specials serving with the British Transport Police and City of London force will also qualify. They will be informed in a letter from deputy mayor for policing Stephen Greenhalgh today.

The scheme, which will apply to all officers who have completed their minimum monthly service of 16 hours, is the largest of its kind in the country.

It delivers on a pledge made by Boris Johnson to offer special constables, who wear uniform on duty and have full police powers, a 50 per cent rebate on the Mayor’s share of council tax.

Mr Johnson said: “Special constables are a vital link between the police and the community whilst representing the very best of London’s volunteering spirit.

“This payment goes some way to recognise the huge contribution that specials make to keep our city safe”.

The payment comes into effect on 1 April and the Mayor’s office for Policing and Crime will settle any tax due as a result.