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Detained person Council Tax exemption

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A person can be exempt from paying Council Tax if they are detained in certain circumstances.

Check if you’re eligible

The exemption applies if the person is detained:

  • in a prison, hospital or any other place by a court order
  • under The Immigration Act 1971
  • under The Mental Health Act 198

An exemption only applies if the owner or tenant is detained and the property is unoccupied.

The exemption will not apply if:

  • the person is in prison for non-payment of either Council Tax or a fine
  • there are still 2 or more people in the household over 18 who are counted for Council Tax purposes

How to apply

To apply for an exemption, please complete our form. You’ll need to know your Council Tax account number.

We also need confirmation to process your claim.

Please ask the detention establishment (for example, prison or hospital) to complete the supporting letter. You can upload this along with your application.

Alternatively, you can ask them to email the supporting letter to counciltax.bournemouth@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

For Bournemouth residents:

For Christchurch residents:

For Poole residents:

Please contact us if you need any help with completing the application form.

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