To qualify, the person must be:

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

This discount will not apply if a person is in police custody before their first court appearance or if they are detained for non-payment of council tax or a fine.

Please note - A full council tax bill is based on at least two adults living in a property. Discounts do not apply if at least two people over 18 who live in the same property are counted for council tax purposes. If after discounting occupants there remains only one occupant then a discount of 25% of the council tax bill may be given.

A person who is in detention may be disregarded - that is, not counted - for council tax purposes.

Please note - You must continue to pay council tax in accordance with your bill until your discount has been granted. Failure to do so may result in recovery action which could incur costs.

How to apply

Apply for the council tax discount for detained persons

Return the completed application form to the address stated on the form.

Appeal

If the Royal Borough of Greenwich decides not to award a discount, you can appeal in the first instance to the Council Tax team within 28 days of notice of the decision stating your reasons. However you may not appeal against the amount of the discount.

Related exemption

If the detained person was the only person living in the property and has left it empty as a result of being detained, the property will be exempt from council tax under exemption Class D.