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

Check who's disregarded for Council Tax.

If someone in your household has been detained and you're now the only adult living in the property, you could get a 25% discount.

If other disregarded people live in the property, you could get a 50% discount.

If your property is empty because you've been detained, you may be exempt from paying Council Tax.

You'll need to tell us that you or someone in your household has been detained. You will not get a discount 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.

Who can apply

The person must be detained:

  • in prison or hospital by order of a court
  • under the Mental Health Act 1983
  • under the Deportation Provision of Immigration Act 1972
  • imprisoned or in custody for more than 48 hours under the Army Act 1955, the Air Force Act 1955 or the Naval Discipline Act 1957

You cannot apply if the person is:

  • in police custody before their first court appearance
  • detained for non-payment of Council Tax or a fine

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 discount.

Proof we need

Information about the person who's detained, including:

  • their full name and date of birth
  • the full name and address of where they're being detained
  • the Council Tax account number
  • any identification number, for example, their prison number
  • the date they went into detention
  • the earliest possible release or deportation date

Apply

Download and fill in the application form:

Someone's been detained Council Tax discount or exemption application form
PDF ‐ 141.19 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 days for us to process your application and decide if you're eligible.

We may ask you for more proof. We may also contact HM Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS).

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.