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Tuesday 30 January 2024
Brunei: Discipline - Road Traffic
DISCIPLINE - ROAD TRAFFIC
1. Driving Whilst Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs. It is an offence to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Motor vehicles are defined as any mechanically propelled vehicle, including motorcycles. All drivers should be aware that they may still be over the legal limit the morning after.
a. Penalties under Brunei Law
(i) First Offence: Fine B$ 10,000 and/or 24 months imprisonment
(ii) Second Offence: Fine B$ 20,000 and/or 48 months imprisonment
b. Driving within barracks. As per BFB Standing Order 1007, Officers,
NCOs and duty personnel who have reasonable grounds to suspect that a
vehicle is being driven within barracks by a person under the influence of
alcohol are authorised to stop the vehicle. If they have reasonable grounds
to believe that the driver is a person subject to service law or a civilian
subject to service discipline and is under the influence of alcohol (e.g. smell
of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteadiness etc) they are to order them to drive no further, including the distance from the place the vehicle has stopped to the barrier, if deemed necessary. The driver is to comply with such an order. Failure to do so, and any attempt by a person subject to service law or a civilian subject to service discipline to drive whilst unfit through drink or drugs, is an offence and may lead to an arrest (as permitted by sections 67 and 69 of the Armed Forces Act 2006).
2. Seat Belts And Child Car Seats. The wearing of vehicle seat belts where fitted by all vehicle drivers and all vehicle passengers is a legal requirement, without exception. This includes the correct fitting and sizing of child seats. The Royal Brunei Police Force conduct regular checks and anyone found not wearing a seat belt or with children not correctly restrained will face an on the spot fine and or prosecution. The maximum penalty for failure to comply is a fine up to B$ 2000.00.
3. Driving Licences. BFB personnel with a full UK driving Licence are
permitted to drive in Brunei; BFB personnel with any other nationality driving licence are to apply for a Brunei Driving Licence from the Land Transport within 90 days of arrival.
4. Vehicle Insurance and Registration. All drivers of private vehicles are
reminded of the requirement to obtain adequate insurance for their vehicles. Contrary to popular mistaken belief, if you purchase a vehicle it must be re-registered in your name with the Land Transport Office within 14 days and the sellers insurance is not valid for you until either the policy has been changed with the insurance provider over to your name or you obtain your own insurance policy. Additional drivers of the vehicle must also be named on the insurance policy for that vehicle.
5. Hire Vehicles. Any reputable hire car agency within Negara Brunei
Darussalam may be utilised in order to rent or hire a vehicle. These agencies must have ‘MTLA’ or ‘KSPS’ displayed on the vehicle registration card (blue book), this signifies that they are registered with Motor Transport Licensing Authority. Insurance documents from these agencies will be annotated as ‘Any person with the vehicle owner’s permission is permitted to drive’, or words to that effect. This statement is explained below:
a. The ‘Vehicle Owner’ is the hire agency.
b. The ‘Vehicle Owner’s permission’ is restricted to those named on the
hire agreement. Should a member of BFB and his/her spouse wish to drive
the vehicle, they must both register their driving licenses with the hire
agency. Any individual driving the vehicle other than those named on the hire agreement invalidate the insurance. Any damage or loss caused by
unauthorised use will result in liability being transferred to the hirer.
c. A registered Hire Vehicle will have a 12 month permit stamp by the
Brunei Land Transport Department on the vehicle registration card (Blue
book).
d. A registered Hire Vehicle insurance cover note will be registered under the hire agency’s name and not that of a private individual.
6. It is illegal under Bruneian Law to hire vehicles from private individuals and you should be aware that the insurance will be invalidated, for which you can receive a fine up to B$ 2,000.00. You should also be aware that if you are involved in an accident you may be liable for the cost of all repairs. Furthermore, you will have no legal rights to that vehicle and there have been many recent incidents where the vehicles have been reprocessed by the finance companies/banks as the repayments have not been maintained by the legally registered owners.
7. Hiring or rental of a vehicle from an unrecognised agency or private individual is prohibited and contrary to this SO; those approached to hire a vehicle from private individuals or unrecognised agencies are to seek advice from the RMP Det prior to taking possession of the vehicle. Failure to ensure the legality of a private hire agreement may result in one or more of the following occurrences:
a. Civil prosecution by the Bruneian authorities.
b. Disciplinary and/or administrative action by the Chain of Command.
c. Loss of the vehicle.
d. The hirer being responsible for any outstanding finance.
e. No insurance cover.
8. MOD Forms 90 are to be treated securely and are NOT to be used for surety.
6. It is illegal under Bruneian Law to hire vehicles from private individuals and you should be aware that the insurance will be invalidated, for which you can receive a fine up to B$ 2,000.00. You should also be aware that if you are involved in an accident you may be liable for the cost of all repairs. Furthermore, you will have no legal rights to that vehicle and there have been many recent incidents where the vehicles have been reprocessed by the finance companies/banks as the repayments have not been maintained by the legally registered owners.
7. Hiring or rental of a vehicle from an unrecognised agency or private individual is prohibited and contrary to this SO; those approached to hire a vehicle from private individuals or unrecognised agencies are to seek advice from the RMP Det prior to taking possession of the vehicle. Failure to ensure the legality of a private hire agreement may result in one or more of the following occurrences:
a. Civil prosecution by the Bruneian authorities.
b. Disciplinary and/or administrative action by the Chain of Command.
c. Loss of the vehicle.
d. The hirer being responsible for any outstanding finance.
e. No insurance cover.
8. MOD Forms 90 are to be treated securely and are NOT to be used for surety.
Brunei: Discipline - Muslim Customs in Brunei
DISCIPLINE - MUSLIM CUSTOMS IN BRUNEI
1. It is against the law of Brunei to:
a. Give alcoholic beverages to Muslims.
b. Have sexual intimacy or any other relations with a married or unmarried Muslim woman.
c. Gamble in public.
2. If any service person is in contravention of these specific laws of Brunei, he/she will automatically have disciplinary proceedings taken against him/her irrespective of whether the Brunei Government demands his deportation or not.
Brunei: Sale or Gifting of Alcohol to Non-Entitled Personnel
SALE OR GIFTING OF ALCOHOL TO NON-ENTITLED PERSONNEL
1. All BFB entitled personnel are to be aware of the local and Syariah law’s in regard to alcohol (listed below). Under no circumstances are entitled BFB personnel to gift or sell alcohol to non-entitled personnel, there is zero tolerance and disciplinary will be taken against any entitled persons if they are found to be selling or gifting alcohol to non-entitled personnel.
2. Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.
a. Intoxicating Drinks.
(1) 104 (6) Any non-Muslim who sells, advertises, serves, offers, gives as a present or exhibits any liquor or intoxicating drink to a Muslim is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $8,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.
b. Penalty For Sale Etc. Of Intoxicating Liquor.
(1) 151. Any person who sells or offers for sale, or permits to be sold or offered for sale, or has in his possession for sale any intoxicating liquor otherwise than in accordance with a licence to sell by retail issued under section 78 shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.
3. Summary.
The sale of alcohol is illegal and anybody selling alcohol without a licence is guilty of an offence that will result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years or both.
Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
It’s free to apply HERE.
You can currently only apply for a Veteran Card if you have a UK address. Veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year.
Monday 29 January 2024
Brunei: GST PRI Opening Hours
GST PRI Opening Hours
Monday and Wednesday - 1230 – 1330hrs.
Note: The Shop can be opened outside of these hours. Please contact Duty Assistant- LCpl Ashish Ghale at +673 8309255.
Note: The Shop can be opened outside of these hours. Please contact Duty Assistant- LCpl Ashish Ghale at +673 8309255.
Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to visit our page on Instagram.
The British Army's Got Talent 2024 event in Aldershot - Sat 27 Apr
A British Army-wide event to raise awareness and much needed funds for the 2x selected charities to allow their important work to continue, to support our families and serving soldiers.
Where/When? Aldershot Princes Hall Theatre, Sat 27 Apr 2024: Doors open @1830hrs, show commences @1930hrs. Expect some celebrities and a few surprises along the way.
Who? Acts can come from across both the Regular & Reserve (all welcome) – sign up via the QR code by NLT 01 Mar 24.
Audience? This is a family event, all ages are welcome. PLEASE come and support, sign up and grab your seat early via the Aldershot Theatre QR code on the poster, or this LINK
Who? Acts can come from across both the Regular & Reserve (all welcome) – sign up via the QR code by NLT 01 Mar 24.
Audience? This is a family event, all ages are welcome. PLEASE come and support, sign up and grab your seat early via the Aldershot Theatre QR code on the poster, or this LINK
Armed Forces Covenant Spouse Development Course - Applications now open
Please note you do not need to live in Warwickshire to apply for this programme. Please CLICK HERE to visit the website.
NHS England - Help us to ensure Veterans receive the very best healthcare support in 2024
To help encourage more practices to sign up, the Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs are working together to increase awareness of veterans’ healthcare needs and any challenges that prevent people who’ve served in the Armed Forces from seeking help from their GP.
If you have served in the Armed Forces and live in England, we would be grateful if you could spare 10 minutes to fill in this online survey. If you are a veteran support organisation, please could you share the survey with your veteran members who live in England.
By filling in this survey, you are ensuring that your thoughts and experiences are more likely to be understood and acted upon. This will help to encourage more GP practices to sign up so they can help veterans get the best healthcare support.
If you have served in the Armed Forces and live in England, we would be grateful if you could spare 10 minutes to fill in this online survey. If you are a veteran support organisation, please could you share the survey with your veteran members who live in England.
By filling in this survey, you are ensuring that your thoughts and experiences are more likely to be understood and acted upon. This will help to encourage more GP practices to sign up so they can help veterans get the best healthcare support.
Friday 26 January 2024
Families' Activity Breaks (FAB): FAB Camps Volunteer Applications Now Open
FAB CAMPS are looking for people from all military ranks, backgrounds and experience, Defence civilians and ex-Service personnel to become volunteers.Being a Volunteer
Who do we look for?
As a FAB volunteer you will be at the heart of the holidays providing mentoring support, encouragement or just a sympathetic ear. Don't worry we will train and support you throughout the experience. We are looking for people of all military ranks, backgrounds and experience. Defence civilians and ex-Service personnel to become volunteers. You do not need any previous experience to become a volunteer. We are ultimately looking for good listeners, people with enthusiasm for the project, and those with a willingness to be a friend or mentor to our bereaved families. Throughout the camps, you will be supported by a bereavement support office who is trained in bereavement counselling for young children. You will also be surrounded by experienced volunteers who return year after year.
Training
All volunteers, both new and returning must attend training before every camp. This is mandated, and if you are not able to attend the training session, sadly we will not be able to accept your application for this year. This is a great opportunity to meet old and new volunteers and really understand what the camps are all about.
The training dates for 2024 are confirmed as 22 – 24 May 2024 at RAF Northolt.
There is a get involved tab on the website where volunteers can register their interest: FAB (fabcamps.org.uk)
Brunei: VISA and Immigration Information
All 1 RGR accompanied Service Personnel are to complete the mandatory form scanning the QR Code below with accurate information of their families Visa and Immigration status.
Thursday 25 January 2024
More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life
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- Number of professional training courses for soon-to-be veterans more than doubled.
- New Career Transition Partnership (CTP) with Reed in Partnership will continue the award-winning work supporting service leavers.
- Training in areas ranging from transport to cyber security will give service leavers the best opportunity of finding employment.
More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Military Coworking Network - Hub Expansion
The AFCTF's generous support will facilitate the opening of at least three additional Military Coworking Hubs in 2024, further extending our reach and impact. These new hubs will embody the same spirit and objectives that have driven the success of our existing locations, offering a supportive and collaborative environment tailored to the unique needs of military spouses who want to create independent professional lives alongside military life.
Since its inception, the MCN has been dedicated to providing a space where military spouses and partners can pursue professional development, foster connections, and access vital resources. The expansion of the network is a testament to the positive outcomes and feedback received from our community during the pilot phase.
The new hubs will be strategically located in areas with a high concentration of military families and will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed internet, modern workspaces, and a range of professional development resources. They will also serve as community hubs, hosting events and workshops designed to empower and connect military partners.
"We are immensely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund for their belief in our vision and their investment in the future of the Military Coworking Network," said Megane Bambridge, Project Manager at the MCN. Linzi Jenkinson, the MCN's Hub Development and Liaison Lead, highlights that "This funding is not just an investment in physical spaces but in the people who form a significant part of the military community. We are excited that the network is growing and are looking forward to welcoming more members into our supportive MCN family."
The MCN looks forward to inviting military partners, their families, and base stakeholders to the official opening ceremonies of the new Coworking Hubs, which will be announced shortly. These events will be an opportunity to witness first-hand the vibrant community spirit and the tangible benefits that the Military Coworking Hubs bring to military families.
About the Military Coworking Network
The Military Coworking Network is an innovative initiative designed to support military families by providing collaborative workspaces and professional development resources. Established as a pilot project, it has quickly grown into a vital support network for spouses and partners of military personnel, offering them a platform to grow, connect, and thrive. With the expansion made possible by the AFCTF funding, and working closely with RAFA, the MCN continues to break new ground in empowering military partners and spouses.
Wednesday 24 January 2024
Brunei: Mumong Community Centre Development Survey
Thank you to those who were able to attend the Mumong Town Hall on 7th December. The following areas were discussed:
- BFB has received a NAAFI grant to renovate the hall next to the Patio Bar. It was agreed that this is a useful space for children to play so the area will be divided in two, one part to be a relaxed coffee shop style area and the other with robust bean bags for children to use.
- While the renovation takes place, the hall next to the Patio Bar will be opened for children to use with parental oversight. The NAAFI staff is not responsible for the behaviour of those in the room and will call the Duty Officer if they deem it to be unsafe.
- Once the coffee space is in place, NAAFI will open for coffee mornings. NAAFI is looking to expand the food on offer in Mumong as the renovation takes place.
- A request was made to extend the time that children are allowed in the bar area beyond 2100 hrs. A survey will be distributed to understand community views on this, with an extension to 2230 hrs proposed.
- A Mumong Social Committee will be convened to implement the renovation of the hall and to work with the NAAFI Manager to implement events in the Patio Bar like Quiz nights / Karaoke etc. If you are interested, please contact Mike Collins at mcollins@naafi.co.uk.
- The Patio Bar and adjacent hall are available for hire from the NAAFI for functions.
- The issue of poor lighting around the Mumong Community Centre was raised; lights are in place but not currently on and DIO will investigate.
- If you have any further suggestions or would like to get involved, please contact Naomi at Naomi.Ozanne100@mod.gov.uk or Mike at mcollins@naafi.co.uk.
- If you have any further suggestions or would like to get involved, please contact Naomi at Naomi.Ozanne100@mod.gov.uk or Mike at mcollins@naafi.co.uk.
Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to give us as much information as possible so that we can create a positive environment within the Mumong Community space.
DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update
XL Bully dogs in SFA
XL Bully dogs have been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence for anyone, including SFA residents, to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption. Further details on preparing for the ban can be found here.
Families living in SFA who own an XL Bully dog must re-submit a pet request form alongside a copy of their Certificate of Exemption to Pinnacle no later than 31 January 2024.
Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP)
The UK Government has made a commitment to resettle Afghan nationals who worked for, or alongside, the British Armed Forces in support of the UK's mission in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence owes a debt of gratitude to these Afghan nationals and their families and is therefore contributing to cross-Government efforts to house those who are eligible under the Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP) to the UK.
Currently, there are over 200 ARAP families living in Service Family Accommodation and it is expected that there will be many more moving into previously void SFA over the coming months and years.
For more information, please see the poster below.
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New Accommodation Offer Update
Whilst the New Accommodation Offer policy will not come into effect until 11 March 2024, the draft of the new JSP 464 ‘Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations’ is being shared now so that Service personnel, their families and partners have access to detailed policy information to help inform any future accommodation decisions they may be making.
The JSP will be re-issued as ‘live’ policy on 11 March 2024 to replace the current version of JSP 464. Parts 1 to 8 of the draft JSP are available HERE.
Parts 9 to 11 will cover Forces Help to Buy, the Combined Accommodation Assessment System for SFA and Four-Tier Grading for SLA – these are not being released now as the policy remains the same as under the current regulations.
Part 12 will cover the complaints processes which will be published when the new policy comes into effect. Read the Draft JSP: HERE
For any question about the changes to policy contact the Accommodation Support Cell: People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk
New Accommodation Offer explained by the 'Savvy Squaddie'
The 'Savvy Squaddie' has released a YouTube video explaining the New Accommodation Offer in a comprehensive, informative and informal way. To watch the video on YouTube, please go to this link: Military Housing Revolution – The New Accommodation Offer - YouTube
The NHS and Armed Forces virtual conference 2024: 12 Mar 24
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NHS Employers annual Armed Forces virtual conference returns on 12 March 2024, recognising and showcasing NHS organisations who are striving to support Armed Forces Reservists and the wider Armed Forces community within the health and care workforce.
Delegates will hear how organisations, from ICBs to trusts, are working with the Step into Health programme to reduce disadvantage for the Armed Forces community to support recruitment into a range of NHS roles.
They will learn how NHS trusts achieved the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition scheme bronze, silver or gold accreditation along with examples of how to publicly demonstrate and advocate support to members of the Armed Forces Community.
The event is free to attend and open to all. More information and register to attend at: The NHS and Armed Forces conference 2024: our shared purpose | NHS Employers
Tuesday 23 January 2024
Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Private Fostering
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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Reasons Not To Smack Your Children
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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Domestic Abuse
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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Victim Safety Work
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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Promoting Your Child's Mental Health
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New Accommodation Offer: New Accompanied Established Long Term Relationship overseas pilot now live
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A new pilot launched today will give Service personnel in registered Long Term Established Relationships (LTR(E)s) greater access to subsidised accommodation abroad. This is another positive step in modernising Defence accommodation policy abroad and our commitment to improve the offer to Service personnel.
The way people live is changing, and Defence’s UK accommodation policy is starting to reflect this. As a result, a disparity between UK and overseas policy has emerged. This overseas pilot, which initially runs from 22 January 2024 to 31 March 2025, aims to tackle this and will give Service personnel in an LTR(E) the opportunity to serve accompanied in the Falkland Islands and Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas using Service Family Accommodation on the same basis as those who are cohabiting or married.
Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally said:
“This pilot shows how cross cutting work can be achieved swiftly by multiple teams. People Accommodation Team, Armed Forces Remuneration, Welfare and the single Services have all worked collaboratively to achieve this change, embracing the ‘think big, start small, and scale quickly’ mentality.
This initiative helps the journey of several HRAFI recommendations and is going to improve the lives of our people currently posted to these pilot locations and opens future opportunities for others.”
As well as aligning with Defence’s commitments set out in the recent Defence Command Paper Refresh and the Haythornthwaite Review recommendations, this pilot is another positive step in delivering the commitment made in the Defence Accommodation Strategy to allocate accommodation to personnel on the same basis as those who are cohabiting or married.
Who is eligible?
All Service personnel who are already on assignment or who receive an assignment to the Falkland Islands or Sovereign Base Areas Cyprus who are in an LTR(E) and meet the criteria will be entitled to Service Families Accommodation.
When do I need to apply?
- Service personnel already on assignment at one of the overseas locations who already have a registered LTR(E) will have two months from the go-live date of 22 January 2024 to apply for Service Family Accommodation. They must then be living in the accommodation within six months of the go-live date.
- Service personnel who are newly assigned to the Falkland Islands or Sovereign Base Areas Cyprus from 22 January 2024, with an accommodation required by date between 22 January 2024 and 31 March 2025, may apply on receipt of assignment.
How to apply
The full application process for each location is in the Accompanied Established Long Term Relationship Overseas pilot DIN.
What are the eligibility criteria for an LTR(E)?
This is relevant to all Service personnel who are considering taking an assignment to one of these bases. The evidence requirements and registration process for an established long-term relationship are defined in the Accompanied Established Long Term Relationship Overseas pilot DIN.
Paragraphs 0116 and 0117 in JSP 464, Vol.1 Part 1 provide more information on the LTR(E) requirements.
What allowances are available for those on the pilot?
What are the eligibility criteria for an LTR(E)?
This is relevant to all Service personnel who are considering taking an assignment to one of these bases. The evidence requirements and registration process for an established long-term relationship are defined in the Accompanied Established Long Term Relationship Overseas pilot DIN.
Paragraphs 0116 and 0117 in JSP 464, Vol.1 Part 1 provide more information on the LTR(E) requirements.
What allowances are available for those on the pilot?
An allowances package specific to the pilot will ensure Service families are supported throughout. Entitlements will be subject to individual circumstances and will be affected by personnel’s current assignment location as well as their LTR(E) status at the point the pilot goes live. There is a reference table in the DIN for this pilot.
Need more information?
For questions about your individual circumstances, contact your base commander or the Overseas Bases team at UKStratCom-DirOB-HR@mod.gov.uk.
For policy related questions, contact the Accommodation Support Cell at People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk.
For more information and to stay up to date on Defence Accommodation policy and future changes:
For more information and to stay up to date on Defence Accommodation policy and future changes:
Also see this SWAY: Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas pilot (limited locations) (cloud.microsoft)
Monday 22 January 2024
Brunei: BFB Ladies Night - Friday 26th January 2024, 1700 - 2359 hrs @ CCCC
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BFB LADIES NIGHT – FRIDAY 26th JANUARY 2024
BFB Ladies Night event will take place at the Chit Chat Community Centre (CCCC) on Friday 26th January 2024. All BFB Ladies are encouraged to attend the event. This event is conducted by the Unit Welfare Centre to support all the BFB families and maintain the team bonding within the families.
Theme - "DRAMA QUEEN"
Tickets. The ticket cost is $20.00 BND per person.
All attendees will have to contribute towards the drinks.
Tickets are available for purchase until TODAY 22nd January 2024.
Transportation. PRI minibus will be available for Drop-off on request (2230 hrs onwards).
Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Keep Children Safe
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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Water Safety
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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Leaving a child home alone?
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Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2024: Finalists Include Two HIVE Staff
Jo Ratabuli works in Cyprus and is a finalist in the 'Away From Home' category, and Emma Passant is a finalist in the 'Family Volunteer of the Year' category.
To find out more about the Celebrating Forces Families awards, and to buy tickets for the Awards Night in April, please go to: https://www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/
DWP Update: Third Cost of Living Payment – Help for Households
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Millions of people on means-tested benefits will receive the third of 3 Cost of Living Payments, which taken together, could total up to £900 over this financial year 2023-2024.The first 2023 payment of £301 was paid between 25 April and 17 May, the second payment of £300 was paid between 31 October and 19 November and the third payment of £299 will be paid between 6 and 22 February.
The payment is for people on a qualifying means-tested benefit, who were entitled to payment during the qualifying period 13 November to 12 December 2023, or a payment for an assessment period ending within the qualifying period. The qualifying benefits include: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, and tax credits: Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
The Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HMRC. It will be paid separately to benefit payments and the reference will appear in accounts with the account holder’s National Insurance number and 'DWP COL'.
For tax credit-only customers, the reference will appear in accounts as 'HMRC COLS', referencing Cost of Living Support.
To be eligible for this payment, you must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:
- Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended on or within the period 13 November to 12 December 2023.
- Income based JSA, income related ESA, Income Support, or Pension Credit, for any day in the period 13 November to 12 December 2023.
- For tax credit-only customers, they must have received a payment of tax credits any day in the period 13 November to 12 December 2023. Find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living at Help for Households
Mission Motorsport - The National Transition Event 2024, Silverstone on 4 Mar
The National Transition Event 2024
Monday 4th March 2024, 08:00 – 17:00 Hours
Held at Silverstone, one of the UK's most iconic race tracks, the National Transition event is an event like no other. Whether you are just starting out on your resettlement journey, or are a seasoned veteran or military spouse, the National Transition Event is designed to give you a clear, objective understanding of the civilian world of work, leaving you empowered and confident as you seek out your next career. With ample opportunity to meet and network with employers actively recruiting from the Armed Forces community, get honest advice and guidance from veterans in industry, and access support from agencies and support services. In true Mission Motorsport style, there will of course be the chance to enjoy passenger laps around the British GP circuit in a range of supercars!
✅Employment opportunities, networking & transitional support
✅Access to a range of support including Vets UK, Defence Transition Services, DWP and a whole host of service charities and support agencies.
✅Showcases sectors, skills & opportunities
✅The Troops' Track Day
✅Supported by the MoD and CTP, Service Leavers are eligible to claim travel expenses - please refer to JSP 534 - The Tri-Service Resettlement and Employment Support Manual - Part 2: Guidance
Whether you're a soldier, sailor, aviator, veteran, or military spouse, register to attend free of charge here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-transition-event-2024-tickets-776845344337?aff=oddtdtcreator
More detailed information about the event can be found here: https://www.nationaltransitionevent.com/
New Accommodation Offer Update: Draft JSP Now Available
Whilst the New Accommodation Offer policy will not come into effect until 11 March 2024, the draft of the new JSP 464 'Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations' is being shared with Service personnel now so that they have access to detailed policy information to help inform any future accommodation decisions they may be making. The JSP will be re-issued as 'live' policy on 11 March 2024 to replace the current version of JSP 464.
Parts 1 to 8 of the draft JSP are available on Gov.uk. Parts 9 to 11 will cover Forces Help to Buy, the Combined Accommodation Assessment System for SFA and Four-Tier Grading for SLA – these are not being released now as the policy remains the same as under the current regulations. Part 12 will cover the complaints processes which will be published when the new policy comes into effect.
Link to Draft JSP: Draft tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - March 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Link to New Accommodation Offer SWAY: New Accommodation Offer Update release 19 Jan 2024 (cloud.microsoft)
Little Troopers wants you to host a celebrity cake sale this February half term
This February half term, the charity Little Troopers has teamed up with six celebrities to ‘Get Cakey’ in support of military children.
The charity is calling on the military community and local schools to organise a cake sale as part of the charity’s annual ‘Fundraise February’ campaign to raise crucial funds for Little Troopers to continue its work in 2024. Seven celebrities have shown their support for the charity by submitting their favourite recipes for the ‘Get Cakey’ pack, which can now be downloaded from the Little Troopers website.
The celebrity recipes include a delicious Chocolate Orange Cake from Dame Joanna Lumley, a healthy Vegan Trail Mix from Levison Wood, a recipe for Figgy Seeded Banana Bread from Dame Kelly Holmes and Magical Marshmallow Popcorn bites from Richard Jones. Harry Hill and Andy McNab have also submitted recipes for the Little Troopers pack.
Anyone and everyone is invited to take part and run a cake sale from school, work or even from home, with many families having run successful cake sales from their driveway in previous years, especially if they live on the patch.
Little Troopers is designating Friday 9th February as the days for schools to get involved ahead of the half term break, while families have from Saturday 10th to Sunday 25th February to ‘Get Cakey’.
On the Little Troopers website, budding bakers can download an organiser pack, bunting, menu page, recipes and a poster template. They can also order a Get Cakey pack to come in the post, which includes stickers, badges and chefs hats to decorate.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, says: “Every February we kick-start the year with a fundraising event and this year we want everyone to ‘Get Cakey’. I love baking and wanted to create a simple event that everyone can take part in to raise vital funds for our work. I’m thrilled that so many of our famous friends have leant us their support.
“Every single penny of money raised goes directly back into ensuring the support we provide to military children can continue. It funds vital projects and resources to support children throughout our British Armed Forces community, such as Little Troopers at School, our Little Troopers Gazette and the Little Troopers Therapy programme.”
To find out more about how Little Troopers supported thousands of military children during 2023, you can watch this video.
To find out more information and to sign-up to Fundraise February, visit https://www.littletroopers.net/fundraise-february/
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