Lewisham Council Tax Sanctuary Scheme and Refugee Discount

Lewisham as a Borough of Sanctuary

Lewisham has declared itself a Borough of Sanctuary, committing to welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers in the community. This commitment includes practical measures around housing, education, and local services — though the council tax implications depend on specific circumstances rather than sanctuary status alone.

Lewisham continues a 25% sanctuary discount for residents eligible for the single person discount who would otherwise be financially worse off because they house a refugee. Other council tax relief for refugees and their hosts depends on the person's circumstances and the applicable exemption or discount rules.

Asylum Seekers in Dispersal Accommodation

Council tax liability in Home Office-provided asylum accommodation depends on the legal arrangement for the property. If you receive a bill, ask your accommodation provider and Lewisham's revenues team to confirm who is liable before assuming the bill is an error.

Have your accommodation details available when you contact them.

Refugees With Leave to Remain

Refugee status or leave to remain does not by itself settle who is liable for council tax. Liability depends on the property and your legal relationship to it, under the same rules that apply to other residents. You may also qualify for reliefs:

Council Tax Reduction: CTR is means-tested and has residence and other eligibility rules. If you meet them and have a low income or receive Universal Credit, apply for CTR as soon as you become liable. The standard start date is the Monday after you apply, with an exception if you apply within the same benefit week you become liable and occupy the property.

Single person discount: if you're the only countable adult in your main residence, you may qualify for a 25% discount. Apply through MyLewisham.

Student exemption: refugees enrolled in qualifying full-time courses (21+ hours, one year minimum) can claim student exemption.

Many newly-granted refugees arrive at their first independent tenancy with very little income and significant expenses. For working-age claimants, Lewisham's CTR maximum is 75%, leaving a 25% minimum payment — but the Crisis and Resilience Fund can help with that remaining amount if you're in severe financial difficulty.

Hosting a Refugee: Council Tax Implications

If you host a refugee, asylum seeker, or someone through a community sponsorship scheme, the council tax implications depend on the arrangement:

Hosting may affect your discount: do not assume an asylum seeker or refugee is disregarded from the adult headcount solely because of their status. Eligible refugee hosts may qualify for Lewisham's 25% sanctuary discount; ask the council about the current criteria.

Refugees with leave to remain may count as adults for headcount purposes. A host may qualify for Lewisham's 25% sanctuary discount, so check the criteria with the council instead of assuming the standard single person discount will continue or end.

Homes for Ukraine and other hosting arrangements: ask Lewisham whether the 25% sanctuary discount applies to your arrangement and how to claim it.

Applying for Relief

There is a 25% sanctuary discount for eligible refugee hosts, alongside other relief routes:

1. Asylum seekers: contact your accommodation provider and Lewisham's revenues team to confirm who is liable for the property
2. Refugees claiming CTR: apply through the BetterOff portal with your biometric residence permit, UC award letter (if applicable), and proof of address
3. Hosts: report the change in household composition to check how it affects your current discounts

For a complete guide to every council tax relief available in Lewisham — including how to navigate the BetterOff portal, what evidence to prepare, and how to appeal if a claim is refused — the Lewisham Council Tax Reduction guide covers the full process.

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