UKC

> Cornwall Council is granting tax-breaks to people because of their religious beliefs – and Catholics are getting more than anyone else. The news is unlikely to please Cornwall's 2,169 Jedi Knights, who form the county's largest single non-Christian "religious" group.

> Cornwall's 2,169 Jedi Knight's got no council tax rebate - but maybe they didn't ask if the force was with them. The council is simply implementing national government rules but it does have some discretion over who qualifies. The British Humanist Association said the rules were unfair and should be changed.

> All of the discounts granted last year were to people who follow some form of the Christian faith. Councils can grant exemptions from council tax in a range of different circumstances. One of these relates to dwellings "held for the purpose of being available for occupation by a minister of any religious denomination as a residence from which to perform the duties of their office". According to an answer to a Freedom of Information Act request, there are nine such properties in Cornwall. It is not known if Cornwall Council rejected any applications, but the council has not had to contest any appeals.

> Just read this in my "local rag"

> Although made up religions like Jedi Knights