Council Tax Relief

Am I eligible

Council Tax Relief is available to all regular Service personnel, mobilised Reserves and Full Time Reserve Service (Full or Limited Commitment) personnel who pay or are counted for Council Tax (or rates in Northern Ireland), or Contributions in Lieu of Council Tax for Service Family Accommodation, and are also serving on qualifying operations or assignments. 

It is not available to Attachés, Advisers, Embassy or High Commission-based personnel, Loan Service personnel, Sponsored Reserves or personnel on board Royal Navy vessels.

What’s it for? 

This benefit  is designed to help cover the cost of Council Tax payments for Service personnel who are deployed on certain overseas operations and assignments. If you are unsure whether the overseas operation or assignment you are on qualifies for Council Tax Relief, get in touch with your unit HR/Personnel Office. 

What do I get? 

You can claim Council Tax Relief for each day you’re deployed on a qualifying assignment. It comes as a lump sum which is paid via your salary at the end of your period of duty. From 1 May 2023 the daily rate increases from £4.09 to £4.32 

When can’t I use this?

You won’t be able to claim this benefit if you have arranged a Council Tax or rates discount with your Local Authority because you’re away on operational deployment.

How do I claim this?

This will be processed automatically by your Unit HR/Personnel Office, who will be able to tell you if you are on a qualifying operation or assignment.