If you're a foreign language assistant, you can apply for an exemption. This means you will not have to pay Council Tax.

You must be:

  • registered with the British Council
  • working as a foreign language assistant at a UK school or educational organisation

We do not count some people when working out how many people live in a property. This is also known as being 'disregarded'.

Check who's disregarded for Council Tax.

Even if you're disregarded, you'll need to apply for a discount or exemption. You will not get it automatically.

You must pay Council Tax while you wait for us to decide if you're eligible for a discount. If you do not pay, we'll start the Council Tax recovery process.

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.

Proof we need

A letter from the British Council. It must include:

  • your name
  • your current address
  • confirmation that you're working as a foreign language assistant
  • the address of the school or educational organisation you're working at

We also need a copy of your passport and visa.

Apply

Download and fill in the application form:

Foreign language assistant Council Tax exemption application form
PDF ‐ 34.11 KB

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 working 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 discount, 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, we'll tell you in writing. You can appeal our decision.