Council Tax
The Council Tax is a property tax payable to the local council where you live. The amount charged depends on the value of a property, not on the number of people living there. Full time students do not have to pay Council Tax.
University Student Residences are 'exempt dwellings'. This means that you do not have to pay Council Tax for any period during which you are living in Halls of Residence.
In 'student houses' if all the people living in the property are full-time students, the property becomes exempt. You will need to confirm your student status to the local Council by sending them an Exemption Certificate.
Living with non-students
From 1 April 2004 students have been exempt from joint and several liability for Council Tax when sharing a property with other non-students. This means that the non-students have to pay their percentage of the bill, and students pay nothing. Joint and several liability means that where more than one person is liable for the Council Tax, any one or all of them can be held responsible for the whole bill.
Certain people on low incomes (especially those in receipt of Income Support) may qualify for Council Tax Benefit for their share of the bill.
Exemption certificates
Council tax Exemption Certificates can be obtained from Faculty Offices. You will need to show your LSBU ID Card.
Council Tax benefit
The Directgov website provides information about Council Tax benefit.
