Diplomats

A property where a diplomat is liable to pay the Council Tax is exempt; however, where a diplomat lives in the home of another person who is liable to pay Council Tax, the diplomat is disregarded.

A diplomat is defined as a person:

• on whom privileges and immunities are conferred by the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964
• on whom privileges and immunities are conferred by the Commonwealth Secretariat Act 1966
• on whom privileges and immunities are conferred by the Consular Relations Act 1968
• who is within a class of persons mentioned in relation to any organisation specified in an Order in Council made under the International Organisations Act 1968
• on whom privileges and immunities are conferred by the Commonwealth Countries and Republic of Ireland (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1985
• is the head of any office described in the Hong Kong Economic Trade Act 1966

My partner is a British citizen, and is a diplomat stationed abroad. Does he qualify for disregard?

No. A person does not qualify if he or she is a British citizen

Should you qualify for the reduction you must tell us within 21 days about any change in circumstances that may affect your entitlement to the discount (e.g. another person moves into the property or the diplomat leaves). Failure to do so may result in a penalty.

We will contact you periodically to confirm that you are still entitled to the disregard; however, you must still advise us of any changes in circumstance within 21 days.

If you want to apply or have a question

Use the Council Tax contact form and choose the following options:

• Under which service would you like to contact us? Select Council Tax
• What would you like to contact us about? Select Something else