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Bin collections

Due to the high temperatures forecasted, our bin crews will be starting collections earlier than usual to help keep them safe in the heat. Please make sure your bins are out the night before, as collections will take place from 6.00am for the rest of the week. Thank you for helping our crews work safely during the hot weather.

Diplomats or visiting armed forces

Exemptions for diplomats or visiting armed forces

Adults and their non-British spouses that live in your household are not counted for council tax if:

  • they are a member of an international governmental organisation

To get a discount:

  • we must not count the diplomat or member of the armed forces for council tax, and
  • there are less than two adults in the property that are counted for council tax

How to apply

  1. log in to your MyGuildford account (opens new window)
  2. click the 'council tax and benefits' tile
  3. select 'continue' on the 'view other services' page
  4. select 'council tax' on the 'your services' page
  5. on your account summary page, find the list of quick links
  • if you're using a computer or laptop these will be on the right-hand side of the screen
  • if you're using a mobile device, click 'quick links'
  1. in the list of quick links find 'apply for or cancel a disregard'
  2. fill in the form. You'll need to:
  • tell us the date the person(s) moved into the property
  • tell  us the name(s) of the person(s) who have moved into the property
  • upload a photo of a letter from their embassy to confirm that they are covered by diplomatic privilege and immunity.

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.

How to apply

You can apply online for the exemption. You'll need to apply through your MyGuildford account. 

To apply, you'll need to:

  1. log in to your MyGuildford account (opens new window)
  2. click the 'council tax and benefits' tile
  3. select 'continue' on the 'view other services' page
  4. select 'council tax' on the 'your services' page
  5. on your account summary page, find the list of quick links
  • if you're using a computer or laptop these will be on the right-hand side of the screen
  • if you're using a mobile device, click 'quick links'
  1. in the list of quick links find 'apply for or cancel an exemption'
  2. fill in the form. You'll need to:
  • tell us the date you moved into the property
  • upload a photo of 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.

Tell us about a change

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

Tell us about the change

You can tell us about a change online through your MyGuildford account. 

You'll need to:

  1. log in to your MyGuildford account (opens new window)
  2. click the 'council tax and benefits' tile
  3. select 'continue' on the 'view other services' page
  4. select 'council tax' on the 'your services' page
  5. on your account summary page, find the list of quick links
  • if you're using a computer or laptop these will be on the right-hand side of the screen
  • if you're using a mobile device, click 'quick links'
  1. to tell us about:
  • a change to a person who is living in your household find 'apply for or cancel a disregard' in the list of quick links
  • a change to a household where all residents are members of visiting armed forces find 'apply for or cancel an exemption' in the list of 'quick links'
  1. follow the steps on the form

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.