What is Council Tax ? Council Tax is a charge set by local authorities to help pay for certain public services, such as libraries, schools and police. It is based upon the value of the property in which you live. The level of the charge may be reduced depending upon the number of adults living in the property and their circumstances.

Being a Student and Council tax-typical questions asked

I am a full-time student living in private rented shared house with other full time students - Will I have to pay Council Tax? You will not have to pay if you apply for student exemption. To apply you will need to provide the City Council with a Council Tax Exemption Certificate (letter) provided by Hallam and Sheffield University

My student registration has ended but I want to stay in the UK for a short holiday, do I have to pay Council Tax? Yes – you will no longer qualify for an exemption certificate.

What is the Definition of a Student for Council Tax Purposes? You will count as a student if you are on a course which: (a) lasts at least one academic year; and (b) requires attendance for at least 24 weeks per year; and (c) involves at least 21 hours of study, classes or work experience per week during term time. This means that some students (eg. those studying at the ELTC Summer School) may not be elligible for exemption from Council tax.

Typical questions asked when accommodation mixed with students and workers (non-students)

I am a full-time student living in a shared house, sharing with non-students (or part-time students) - Will I have to pay Council Tax? A bill will be payable but the student tenants will not be held liable. The person or people who are not students will be liable to pay.

We are a group of students living with ONE other person who is not a student but works- what happens then?                               Then the working tenant will be solely liable for any Council Tax on the property. The working tenant will be able to claim a 25% discount as being the only ‘visible’ adult resident. The student tenants will not be named on the bill or pay any council tax.

Is there a mixture of tenants some of which are qualifying students and two or more working tenants?                                    If the answer is yes, then the working tenants will be liable for any Council Tax on the property. The student tenants will not be named on the bill or have to pay any council tax.