
Council tax is a system of local taxation paid monthly to cover the costs of local services such as refuse collection, street lighting, and emergency services. Everyone over the age of 18 is obliged to pay council tax, however, there are certain exemptions and discounts available for students. For instance, full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are automatically exempt from paying council tax in Bristol. Additionally, if everyone in the household is a student, no council tax is payable. Students living with non-students may still be eligible for a discount, but this depends on the number of non-students in the household.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible to pay council tax? | Everybody over the age of 18 years |
| Who is exempt from paying council tax? | Full-time students in University-allocated accommodation, part-time students are not generally eligible for council tax exemptions |
| What if a non-student lives with students? | The non-student will have to pay for their share of the council tax |
| Can students get a discount? | Yes, students can get a discount if they are the only adult occupant |
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What You'll Learn

Full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are exempt
In Bristol, everyone over the age of 18 is obliged to pay council tax. However, full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are exempt from paying council tax. This exemption is automatic for students in University-allocated accommodation.
If you are a full-time student living in private rented accommodation or elsewhere, you may need to apply for an exemption. You can check your eligibility by contacting your university's student services or the local authority. It is important to note that part-time students are generally not eligible for council tax exemptions, although there may be exceptions depending on individual circumstances.
If you are a postgraduate research student, you are exempt from paying council tax while writing your thesis. This exemption ends once you have submitted your thesis. Additionally, if you have suspended your studies for an agreed-upon period, you may still be eligible for a council tax exemption, but you will need to provide relevant documentation.
It is important to keep the council informed about any changes in your circumstances, such as submitting your thesis or moving to private accommodation, as this may impact your council tax exemption status.
If you are living with non-students, the household may not qualify for a single-person discount, and the full council tax amount may be payable. However, if you are living with other full-time students, you may be eligible for a discount or exemption on your council tax.
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Part-time students are not eligible for council tax exemption
In Bristol, part-time students are generally not eligible for council tax exemption. This means that if you are a part-time student, you will likely have to pay council tax. Council tax is a system of local taxation that is paid monthly to cover the costs of local services such as refuse collections, street lighting, and emergency services. Everyone over the age of 18 is typically required to pay council tax.
There may be exceptions for part-time students with reduced hours due to certain circumstances, such as ill health. In these cases, it is recommended to contact Student Services to inquire about potential eligibility for a council tax exemption. Additionally, if you have suspended your studies for an agreed-upon period, you may still be eligible for a council tax exemption, depending on your circumstances during the suspension.
It is important to note that full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are automatically exempt from paying council tax. However, if a part-time student lives in private rented accommodation or elsewhere, they are generally not exempt and will need to factor this into their budget.
The rules regarding council tax can be complex, and it is always best to check with the local council or seek advice from organizations such as Citizens Advice Bureau Bristol. They can provide guidance on eligibility for discounts or exemptions and help with understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding council tax payments.
If you are a student living with non-students, the household may not qualify for a single-person discount, and the full council tax amount may be payable. However, if you are a full-time student living with a partner who is the only other adult in the home, you may be eligible for a 25% discount, as if your partner is the sole adult occupant.
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Postgraduate students writing a thesis are exempt
In Bristol, full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are automatically exempt from paying council tax. If you live in private rented accommodation or elsewhere, you may need to apply for an exemption. Part-time students are generally not eligible for council tax exemptions, although there may be exceptions if you are on a full-time course with reduced hours for certain reasons, such as ill health.
If you are a postgraduate student writing a thesis and living with non-students, the household may still be eligible for a discount on the council tax bill. In Bristol, if there are two or more non-students in the property, the household does not qualify for a single-person discount, and the full council tax amount is payable. However, if you are the only non-student living with students, you may be able to pay a reduced amount, as you would be eligible for a single-person discount.
It is important to note that council tax laws can be complex, and it is always advisable to check with the local council and seek official guidance to understand your specific situation. The council will consider your circumstances and make a decision on any reductions or exemptions.
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Non-students living with students may pay more
In Bristol, full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are exempt from paying council tax. If students live in private rented accommodation, they may need to apply for an exemption. If everyone in the household is a full-time student, they will not have to pay council tax, but they must apply for an exemption.
If there are two or more non-students in the property, the household does not qualify for a single-person discount, and the full council tax amount is payable. Non-students living with students can apply for a reduction if they are the only ones paying council tax. Part-time students are generally not eligible for council tax exemptions, but there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances.
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Council tax covers local services
Council tax is a system of local taxation collected by local councils. It is a tax on domestic property and was introduced in 1993 by the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Each property is assigned one of eight bands (A to H) in England and Scotland, or nine bands (A to I) in Wales, based on property value. The tax is set as a fixed amount for each band, with the higher bands attracting higher tax.
Some properties are exempt from council tax, including those occupied only by students. If a property is adapted to meet the needs of a disabled occupant, it will be placed in a lower band. If a property has been empty and unfurnished for a year or more, the council can charge an 'empty homes premium' on top of the standard council tax.
Council tax covers the cost of local services, which are administered by the local council. These services include maintaining roads, pavements, streetlights, parks, and other public spaces. The money raised from council tax also goes towards local emergency services, such as the police and fire services. It also covers the cost of social services, such as child and elderly care, as well as rubbish collection and recycling services.
In Bristol, full-time students in University-allocated accommodation are automatically exempt from paying council tax. Part-time students are generally not eligible for council tax exemptions, although there may be exceptions if they are on a full-time course with reduced hours due to illness. Postgraduate research students are also exempt while writing their thesis.
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