Apply for a Council Tax exemption where occupation of a property is prohibited by law

An unoccupied property may be exempt from Council Tax if:

• occupation is restricted by a planning condition preventing occupation under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
• it's subject to a compulsory purchase order
• it's subject to a closing order
• it's subject to a demolition order

The exemption will last as long as the restrictions are in place.  

The exemption will not apply:

• if the property becomes occupied, even illegally. The person living there will become liable for Council Tax in line with the hierarchy of liability
• to restrictions imposed by individuals or companies under contract law such as restriction orders

You'll need to apply for the exemption. You will not get it automatically.

Who can apply

The person responsible for paying Council Tax at the property can apply.

What you need to apply

You'll need to fill in and send us the application form with proof that you're eligible for the exemption.

You'll need to tell us:

• the Council Tax account number
• the full address of the property
• the date that occupation was restricted or prohibited
• your correspondence address
• your preferred contact details

Proof we need

We need a copy of the court order showing that restrictions are in place.

Apply

Download and fill in the application form:

Send your application by post or email to:

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Revenues Service
The Woolwich Centre
35 Wellington Street
London SE18 6HQ

Email: counciltax@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

What happens next

It can take up to 21 days for us to process your application and decide if you're eligible.

We may ask you for more proof.

If you're eligible for the exemption, we'll send you an updated bill.

You must tell us within 21 days about any change in your circumstances that may affect your entitlement to a discount or exemption. If you do not tell us, you could get a £70 fixed penalty.

If we decide you're not eligible, you can appeal our decision.