Diplomats
Council tax discounts for diplomats
People with diplomatic privilege or immunity may be eligible for council tax discounts.
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.
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.
Discount for persons with diplomatic privilege or immunity
A person may be disregarded - that is, not counted - for council tax purposes, if they have privileges and immunities conferred by one of these acts or orders:
- Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964
- Commonwealth Secretariat Act 1996
- Consular Relations Act 1968
- Commonwealth Countries and Republic of Ireland Order 1985
- International Organisations Act 1968
- Hong Kong Economic Trade Act 1996.
The person must not be:
- a British subject
- a British citizen
- a British Dependent Territories citizen
- a British National (overseas) or a British Overseas Citizen
- a British protected person
- or a permanent resident in the United Kingdom.
Also, the person must otherwise have been liable for council tax were they not disregarded.
To apply for the discount, complete the application form and return it with written confirmation of your diplomatic status from your embassy, stating the class of diplomat you fall under.
Apply for the council tax discount for diplomats
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 exemptions
You may qualify for exemption Class V - main residence of a diplomat.