It will depend on how long your friend is staying with you. If it is only for a few weeks then you do not need to inform us. If they are staying longer you will need to notify us as soon as possible.
Unfortunately there is no discount at a property if one of the occupiers is away in the armed forces.
However, all armed forces personnel deployed on operations overseas, who normally pay Council Tax, will now benefit from a tax-free payment on the cost of Council Tax paid directly by the Ministry of Defence.
This is because the house would still be classed as their main residence for taxation purposes. This applies to all those in the armed forces throughout the country and is in accordance with the government guidelines.
Whilst we are aware that most residents are claiming the discount correctly, this is part of an ongoing review to ensure that Council Tax bills are accurate and that our records are up to date. As part of the review, we will also be checking data from other sources including reviewing details about your household such as, but not limited to, the electoral roll registers and financial sector information.
Any persons failing to respond to requests for further information in relation to their claim will have the claim withdrawn from the beginning of the current financial year or from the date the discount was applied within the current financial year. If, during the review process, checks show that another adult is living at the address, the discount will be withdrawn.
You can either complete your review online or respond to the letter. Find out more about the Single Person Discount Review.