What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is a payment on residential properties by the local authorities, also known as councils. This is a local tax which helps councils pay for services they provide, such as policing, rubbish collection, street lighting, and cleaning.
Do I have to Pay Council Tax?
Most UK-registered homes will require to pay council tax, however, there are some exemptions. Although council tax is registered to the property, most exemptions apply based on the circumstances of the occupier. We have explained these below,but you can also check your exemption status on the Gov UK website.
Check my council tax requirements
Do Students Have to Pay Council Tax?
You might be exempt from paying Council Tax if you:
- Are under 18
- Under 20 and on a Further Education course that is at least 12 hours study per week and lasts 3 months.
- At any age and in full-time study. This is 21 hours of study per week, 24 weeks of attendance each year on a course that lasts at least one year.
- Everyone in your property is a full-time student.
I Live in a House with Students and Non-students - Do I have to Pay Council Tax?
If not everyone in your home is a full-time student, then either some or all of the Council Tax will be payable.
If one person in your home is not a full-time student, then you may be eligible for a Council Tax discount. For example, if you are a full-time student and living with a part-time student or employed person, you might be eligible for a 25% Council Tax discount.
You can decide with your housemates how you wish to split your Council Tax bill if your home is liable to pay Council Tax. Full-time students cannot be pursued directly by a council to pay Council Tax.
I am an International Student with a Spouse/Dependant/s in the UK.
If you are an international student on a full-time course, then your spouse, civil partner or dependent/s will be treated as a full-time student too, if:
- They are not a British Citizen and are prevented from working or claiming welfare benefits under the terms of their leave to remain in the UK.
However, if your civil partner or dependant/s are EEA nationals, British citizens or have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK, then your property will not be exempt from Council Tax.
Council Tax Exemption Letter
If you are Exempt or Entitled to a Discount from Paying Council Tax, then you Should Follow These Steps to Apply:
1. Get proof of your student status from UAL. Make sure that the term time address UAL holds for you is up to date. Once you have checked this, you can request a Council Tax Exemption letter. Most students can receive an exemption letter via the Student Portal. You can find this under ‘Enrolled Students’ menu and then ‘My Study Details.’ If you have trouble finding this via your Student Portal, then you can reach out to your College Administration team. In your email you should include:
- Your name and Student ID number
- The name and year of your course
- Term time address,
- Accommodation type (ie shared flat/house, owned home)
2. Find out what council area you live in. You can do this by searching your postcode of your term time address into the Gov UK website here.
3. Send your exemption letter to your local council. You should look at your local council’s website to find out how you can send them your exemption letter.
Do Not Ignore Letters
You should seek advice straight away if you receive a letter about a reminder, final notice or summons relating to Council Tax.
You should seek advice if you think your local council are wrongly refusing to accept your property is exempt from Council Tax.
You can speak to an Adviser at Arts SU Advice services. You can book an appointment here or email us via our contact form here.