A former interpreter for British forces in Afghanistan, who sustained life-altering injuries from a Taliban bomb blast in 2007, has been denied compensation by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) because his council tax bill was rejected as proof of address. Rafi Hottak, who was serving alongside British troops and the officer killed in the blast, applied for compensation from the government's Ex-Gratia Medical Payments Scheme.
Rafi Hottak suffered multiple injuries in the 2007 explosion, requiring 160 stitches. He was told by a surgeon that his injuries and trauma would be lifelong. He was later granted sanctuary in the UK in 2011 and has since rebuilt his life, working as an accountant.
When applying for compensation, Mr. Hottak provided his council tax bill, along with his UK driving licence and British passport, as proof of his current address. The MOD responded that his claim would not be considered because he had not supplied a "valid utility bill." Mr. Hottak expressed his devastation, noting that council tax bills are widely accepted as proof of address by banks, solicitors, and other government bodies. He added that his UK driving licence also showed his address.
During his service, Mr. Hottak was considered a hero, working on the frontlines with British troops in Helmand Province and undertaking operations behind enemy lines with the SAS and SBS. The bomb that injured him also killed Captain John McDermid, a friend and mentor whom he had served alongside. Mr. Hottak continued translating for British soldiers under intense fire even after being injured.
Following the incident, Mr. Hottak returned to work at the British base in Kabul as a supervisor for interpreters. He also faced death threats and revenge attacks on his family home. He has since become a campaigner for former Afghan interpreters and has provided evidence to parliamentary committees about their plight.
Professor Sara de Jong, a member of the Sulha Alliance which supports former Afghan interpreters, criticized the MOD's decision, calling it "incredulous" that someone who served loyally and suffered horrific injuries would be let down by bureaucracy. She highlighted Mr. Hottak's contributions as a chartered accountant and his advocacy for others.
Mr. Hottak stated that Remembrance Sunday holds deep personal significance for him, as he remembers Captain McDermid and the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. He finds it disappointing that those who served loyally are not always recognized.
The MOD did not respond to requests for comment. The Ex-Gratia Medical Payments Scheme, established in 2013 to recognize those injured in the line of duty to the UK, was reportedly closed when Mr. Hottak was informed of the rejection of his claim. 
