Toggle menu

Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us for a special online engagement session hosted by the Leaders of Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils on Thursday 3 July from 7pm to 8pm via Microsoft Teams. We'll explain what Local Government Reorganisation is, outline the different options being considered, and show you how to get involved. Sign up for the session (opens new window).

Diplomats or visiting armed forces

Exemptions for diplomats or visiting armed forces

Adults and their non-British spouses living in your household are not counted for council tax if they are a member of an international governmental organisation.

If we do not count this person for council tax and there are less than two adults in the property that are counted for council tax, you may get a discount.

You need to have a MyGuildford account to apply for this discount online. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

  • your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
  • your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
  • your property postcode
  • if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go into the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You need to select the 'apply for or cancel a disregard' link.

You need to supply the following information:

  • the date the person(s) moved into the property
  • the name(s) of the person(s) who have moved into the property
  • a letter from their embassy to confirm that they are covered by diplomatic privilege and immunity. You will need to upload this.

Exemptions for households with visiting armed forces

If a property is only occupied by members of visiting armed forces, it is exempt from council tax. This means you don't have to pay council tax for the property.

You need to have a MyGuildford account to apply for this exemption online. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

  • your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
  • your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
  • your property postcode
  • if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You need to select the 'apply for or cancel an exemption' link.

You need to supply the following information:

  • the date you moved into the property
  • a document from your headquarters. It must say you are occupying the property as part of your duties as a member of visiting armed forces. You will need to upload this. 

Tell us about any changes

If someone moves into your household who is counted for council tax, you may no longer qualify for the reduction.

You can tell us about any changes online if you have a MyGuildford account. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

  • your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
  • your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
  • your property postcode
  • if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side.

Use the 'apply for or cancel a disregard' or 'apply for or cancel an exemption' form to tell us about the change.

If there is a change to your discount or exemption, we will send you a new bill.

What happens next?

We will contact you if we need any further information.

If you are entitled to a discount or exemption, we will send you a new bill.