Council Tax and You

What is Council Tax?

Council Tax is a local tax paid directly to your Local Authority which helps to pay for local services like policing and refuse collection. There is one bill for each household, and the amount due is based on the value of the property you live in.

You can find out who your Local Authority is by vising gov.uk/find-your-local-council and entering your postcode. 

Do students pay Council Tax?

The following enrolled students are exempt from paying Council Tax:

• students under 18 years old
• students aged 18 or 19 years old, studying an FE course that is at least 12 hours of study per week and lasts at least three months
• students studying a course that is officially over 21 hours of study per week and lasts at least one year e.g. students on a full time Degree, Foundation Degree, Foundation Diploma, and full time postgraduate courses.

Informing the council of your student status

It is important that you inform the council of your student status as soon as possible to avoid any charges. Council Tax is the responsibility of the individual, so it is up to you to inform the council of your student status by obtaining a Council Tax exemption letter from the Student Contact Desk after you have enrolled. Check with your local council where to submit the exemption letter, you may be able to register via your council's website. If you live with other qualifying students, they each need to obtain their individual Council Tax exemption letters.

You can download the Letter Request Form from the bottom of this page, and submit it to the Student Contact Desk either in person or by email to studentcontactdesk@camberwell.arts.ac.uk. Processing time is 2 days, and you will be notified via your student email when your letter is ready for collection. 

What if I move home?

You should get a Council Tax exemption letter from your college every time you move home. If your flatmates are also full time students you should encourage them to submit their letter too. Let the council know as soon as you move into the property.

If everyone in your household is an enrolled full time student and they have all submitted their Council Tax exemption letters, the whole property should be exempt.

When you move out, write a letter to the council informing them that you are no longer living there and provide your new address. You might also be able to do this online so check your council's website. 

Any other frequently asked questions?

Some people may have concerns about different issues relevant to Council Tax exemption.  Please read University of the Arts London's guide carefully, available below:

https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/fees-and-funding/a-guide-to-london-living-costs/council-tax

Where can I go for help? 

Please get in touch with a Student Adviser if you require any further assistance on this matter. 

+44 (0)20 7514 6250

student.advisers@arts.ac.uk

https://arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/student-services/student-advice-service

This information has been provided by the Student Advice Service, and every reasonable effort to ensure accuracy and currency has been taken. Information can change at very short notice, we therefore recommend seeking further advice from Student Services should you require. This information was updated at August 2018.