The following properties are exempt from Council Tax:
- halls of residence occupied by students (class M)
- shared properties where all the residents are full-time students - this includes non-British spouses of full-time students (class N)
- properties left empty by full-time students (class K)
If a non-student shares a residence with students and/or with other adults who qualify for a discount, you may still be able to get a 25% discount from your Council Tax bill.
Download the exempt property application form or the discount application form. In either case all students must complete the student status application form and supply a formal student certificate from their educational establishment.
Are you a student?
You are a student if you are:
- attending a university or college course that lasts an academic year or more, for a minimum of 24 weeks a year and 21 hours a week
- under 20 years of age, on a course lasting more than three months and over 12 hours a week, for any qualification up to A-level, ONC or OND standard
- on a course that will lead to (first-time) registration on Parts 1 to 6 or 8 of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Register
We will need to see a student certificate (university or college), or a certification of course of studies (school/FE college) that will confirm the status and duration of your course.
Please ask your college for these certificates. Letters of acceptance onto a course will not be sufficient to claim a discount.
Other student-related discounts
A non-British spouse or dependent of a full-time student qualifies for a discount if they are:
- not a British citizen
- prevented by immigration regulations from taking paid employment or from claiming benefit
We will need to see proof of their immigration status. We will also need to see a student certificate for the full-time student.
Registered foreign language assistants are treated as full time students as long as they are registered with the British Council.
