Prisoner discount
If you've got a MyLewisham account and have registered to view your council tax account online, you won't get a paper copy of your annual bill – it'll be available to view online instead.
If you don't have MyLewisham account, you'll get a paper copy in the post as normal.
Who is eligible
If you are being held in detention, including being held on remand, you may be entitled to a discount or exemption on the property you have left.
If you lived alone and have left your property empty because you are now being held in detention, you will be exempt from paying council tax on the property you have left. This exemption will last until you are released.
If you lived with one other person, who is now left alone in your property, a discount is awarded on the address you have left. If two or more people are left in the property, no discount can be awarded.
Detention is classed as:
- a prison, hospital or other place where a person has been placed by order of any court in the UK
- under the Immigration Act 1971 (S3)
- under the Mental Health Act 1983, or Army Act 1985, Armed Forces Act 2006, Air Force and other military Acts
You cannot qualify for any reduction if you are being held under Schedule 4 (8) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for non-payment of council tax.
How much reduction you get
- if you lived alone you will be exempt from paying council tax until you are released
- a 25% discount is awarded if only one person remains in the property
How do I apply?
Apply online using the buttons below. You will need to have your council tax account number and a letter from the place of detention confirming the start and likely end date of the period of detention.