Council tax discounts and exemptions

The different types of discounts and exemptions and how to apply for them.

Student discounts

Every householder or tenant normally has to pay council tax. Full-time students may be entitled to a discount or and exemption if the property is only occupied by full-time students.

What are the reductions?

A property that just full-time students live in is exempt from paying any council tax. Individual students are not exempt.

A 25 per cent discount may be given if all the residents except one are full-time students (for example, in a property that is jointly occupied by four people and three are full-time students).

We do not count people as students if they are between courses of full-time education.

How do I apply for a student discount or exemption?

The person who has to pay the council tax (their name will appear on the bill) must complete a student change form.

To complete the application you must have a council tax student certificate from the university or college for each student resident in the property. Council tax student certificates are only given to full-time students who are enrolled for one whole year and are studying for more than 21 hours a week.

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