Student exemptions
A student exemption means you have no council tax to pay from the start date of your course until the end date of your course. You will not be exempt from the end of your course up to your graduation date.
Student exemptions are reviewed every academic year. You will need to provide proof of your student status every year until the final year of your course.
If any of your circumstances change with your household, while you are receiving an exemption, you must notify the council tax service within 21 days of the change. Failure to notify the council could result in a fine or possible prosecution for fraud.
Student discounts
A student discount means you receive a 25% reduction on your council tax bill from the start date of your course up until the end date of your course.
If any of your circumstances change within your household, while you are receiving a discount, you must notify the council tax service within 21 days of the change. Failure to notify the council could result in a fine or possible prosecution for fraud.
What to do if you receive a council tax bill
You will receive a bill to pay council tax if you have not applied for a student reduction and provided a student ID number or certificate for you and for anyone living with you who is a full-time student.
Once your application is processed, a council tax student reduction can be considered.
You may also receive a bill if there is a period from the start date of your tenancy up until the start date of your course or from the end date of your course to your tenancy end date. You may also receive a bill if everyone in your household is not a full-time student.
Changes in your household or student status
If you or anyone living with you is no longer a student, moves in or out of the property or claims a DWP benefit, you must notify the council tax service. Failure to contact the council tax service within 21 days from a change taking place may result in a penalty being applied and possible prosecution for committing fraud.
Students on placement
Providing your placement is part of your undergraduate degree course you are still considered to be a full-time student.