COUNCILLORS in Gravesham have announced a dramatic re-think over war pensions - after the Royal British Legion waged a two-month national campaign.

The national veterans' group named and shamed Gravesham Borough Council as one of only a few councils throughout the whole of England and Wales not to give 100 per cent special rights to war veterans and widows claiming benefits.

In a widespread publicity campaign earlier this year, the Legion called on Gravesham and 22 other councils to disregard war disablement and war widows' pensions when calculating housing benefit and council tax relief. Now veterans are declaring the move a victory for war pensioners.

Gravesham was one of the 23 out of 410 councils in England and Wales that did not give a 100 per cent disregard, and the only council in Kent. But starting from its 2003 budget, Gravesham will also disregard the pensions.

In April there were 23 people in Gravesham who still had their war pensions taken into account. Nick White, of Goodwood Crescent, Gravesend was one of those. He lives in constant pain after damaging his back in the Royal Logistic Corps.

He said: "I'm happy with the decision. I would like to have seen it happen this year but their word seems to be their bond. It's a victory for the war pensioners and widows in Kent."

Council leader, Cllr Rosemary Leadley, said: "I'm very pleased to announce that we will make good our commitment and deliver on our promise. Gravesham council has a good working relationship with The Royal British Legion - this development will help to strengthen that relationship. We look forward to working with the Legion to implement the changes."

Head of pensions for the Legion, Tom House, said: "The Legion has campaigned hard for Gravesham veterans and widows to be treated in the same way as the majority of war pensioners across the country.

"We therefore welcome what is definitely a just decision by Gravesham council and one which reflects the feelings of many local people who have been demanding respect for their veterans."