Some people may be able to get a council tax discount and may not know it
Bills for many are rising, with some council tax payments having increased yet again for several areas across the UK. Yet many may not know that they could be eligible for a council tax discount. And one of those groups are students.
To help, MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has shared the simple check many can do to save some cash. It even notes that people could save “£100s or even £1,000s each year.”
While those in education know they can get a discount on their favourite brands and restaurants, many students may be unaware of this one.
It’s best to look up your local authority and check what you may be entitled to, as it varies by area. Most, however, will offer a student discount.
MSE says: “A full-time student is disregarded from paying Council Tax for the duration of their course – for an example, an undergraduate at university would be disregarded from the day their course begins until the day it formally ends.
“In other words, a student is liable to pay Council Tax outside of their course. So if you’re living in an all-student house, this means you should get a Council Tax bill if you continue to live there after your course ends.
“Many undergraduate courses end in early June, so if the tenancy on your house runs until August, that means there are two months where you’ll pay Council Tax. Similarly, if you move into your student house before your course actually starts, there will likely be some Council Tax to pay.”
Cardiff Council tax discount
For example, Cardiff Council allows student exemptions for payments. To count as a full-time student, your course must:
- Last at least 1 calendar or academic year
- Require you to undertake it for at least 24 weeks a year
- Involve at least 21 hours’ study, tuition or work experience per week.
If you study for a qualification up to A level and you are under 20, your course must:
- Last at least 3 months
- Involve at least 12 hours’ study per week
It is not automatic
While a discount, or complete exemption, depends on your local authority and your circumstances, it’s worth noting that these discounts aren’t applied automatically.
You have to submit an application to receive them and wait for approval. MSE says: “In some cases, you might even be able to backdate your claim, although each council sets its own rules. If backdating is allowed, you’ll usually need to explain why you didn’t apply earlier.”
