Student Council Tax in the UK: Understanding Your Responsibilities
Many students mistakenly believe that they are exempt from paying Council Tax in the UK. This tax actually applies to the household, not necessarily an individual, so the total amount owed can be influenced by YOUR status as student but also applies to your housemates.
Whether a student pays Council Tax depends on whether they or their housemates are full-time or part-time students, and where they live in the UK. There are various factors and exemptions to consider, such as council tax discounts and the possibility of applying for exemptions.
What is UK Council Tax?
Council Tax is a fee paid to the local council for a range of public services. It covers costs such as rubbish collection, street cleaning, and other community services. Properties fall into different bands based on their value, and the amount owed depends on the band level.
Full-time students who live in university halls of residence or in a house where everyone is a student don’t have to pay Council Tax. If a student shares a property with non-students, a discount may be applicable. If one of the house mates qualifies for an exemption, but they still receive a bill, they should contact the local council and apply for an exemption.
What proof do I need to show that I'm a student
Full-time students need to provide proof that they are attending university or college in the UK for Council Tax purposes. Firstly, the course should be for at least one academic year, requiring attendance for a minimum of 24 weeks a year and studying at least 21 hours a week during term time.
Students under the age of 20 whose course leads to a qualification up to A level standard or equivalent must show that the course lasts for more than three months and involves more than 12 hours of study per week.
However, not all courses meet the criteria for full-time student status. Distance-learning and evening classes may be excluded. Work-related courses which may involve a day-release, may also not qualify for exemption.
The course must be at a 'prescribed place of education', such as an established university or most colleges.
The local council has the final say on your UK Council Tax status as a full-time student. If you’re not sure, then contact them directly to verify your status.
What if I live with someone who isn't a full-time student?
If someone in your shared accommodation is not a full-time student, the property you’re living in will still receive a Council Tax bill. However, you may be entitled to a discount on the total amount. This applies whether you live with adults, part-time students, or non-students.
How is Council Tax in the UK calculated?
Council Tax in the UK is usually calculated on the basis of two adults living in a property. Households with one adult may receive a single person discount.
The following groups are not counted as 'adults' for Council Tax purposes, meaning that their presence in the property does not affect the overall calculation:
Full-time students on courses leading to registration as a nurse or midwife.
Apprentices earning less than a certain amount (currently £195 per week - as at Aug 2024). Your course must lead to a recognised qualification.
Adults under 25 years old in full-time education funded by the Skills Funding Agency or the Young People's Learning Agency.
Households with only full-time students do not have to pay Council Tax and will not receive a bill.
Applying for Council Tax Exemption
To get a Council Tax exemption, students need an official letter from their college or university. This letter, often called a student certificate or certificate of student status, must contain detailed information about the student and their course.
Eligibility is determined by factors such as location, personal circumstances, household income, and whether children or other adults live in the home.
For those in England and Wales, visit GOV.UK to apply. In Scotland, refer to the Scottish government website. Northern Ireland has a different scheme.
Who is Responsible for Paying the Bill?
It is up to the members of a household to decide how to share the costs, but the law is clear about who is legally responsible for paying the bill. Members of a household are categorised, for example, as 'owner-occupiers' or 'tenants'. In general, the person who appears at the top of the list provided by the government is responsible.
Household Member | Responsibility Level |
Owner-Occupier | Highest |
Tenant | Second-Highest |
Other Members | Lowest |
If more than one person in the household falls into the same category, they share the responsibility equally. The rules change if someone is a full-time student or in education or training. In this case, a full-time student can only be held responsible if no other household member falls into a higher category. For example, if the student is an owner-occupier and everyone else is a tenant, they will be responsible.
Moving to New Accommodation
If you're moving to a new place, it's important to inform your local council tax office about your move-in date and new address. Most local authorities have forms on their websites that you can complete to inform them of your change of address.
Rent and Council Tax
Full-time students are often exempt from adult Council Tax. The terms in the tenancy agreement you sign should not affect this exemption, even if you have agreed to pay Council Tax in a contract.
Important Points to remember:
Full-time students are exempt from Council Tax.
Other tenants who are not full-time students may impact the Council Tax liability.
Non-payment of Council Tax due could lead to eviction attempts by landlords.
If there is a council tax liability and it remains unpaid, the landlord may consider this to be a breach of the tenancy agreement. This could lead to attempts to evict you. It is advisable to seek independent legal advice. Protection against eviction varies depending on the type of tenancy agreement.
What if I Can't Afford to Pay My Council Tax?
If you're having financial difficulties and can’t afford to pay your Council Tax, contact your local council for advice. They may be able to offer alternative funding options. If you're a student, it's worth checking if your university offers financial support. Ignoring council tax payments can result in fines, so it's important to seek help early on. Some may be eligible for benefits to ease the financial burden. Always report any financial difficulties to avoid further problems later on.
International Students Studying in the UK
International students living in the UK with a partner may have to pay Council Tax. This depends on whether your partner's status is one of the following:
British citizen
EEA or a Swiss national
Settled in the UK with indefinite leave to enter or remain.
If any of these apply, the household will not be exempt, as the partner will be counted as an adult and eligible to pay Council Tax. If the partner is the only non-student in the household, a discount may be available. This should be checked with your local council.
If the partner is the only non-student in the home and is not a British citizen with limited leave to remain in the UK, then the household should be exempt. For this exemption, the student must send a copy of their partner’s immigration leave, as shown on the Biometric Residence Permit or passport, to their local Council Tax Office, along with proof of student status.
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