Council Tax exemption questions

lindawallace

2 questions, please. Does anyone know:

a)
If you move into a flat (alone) in the summer before you become a full-time student, and will not be working/earning in the two months preceding the beginnign of studies , does the Council sometimes begin your student exemption during that summer or does it have to begin on the first day of term and you have to pay while waiting for studies to begin?

Also,
b) If you are letting a flat for just 2 - 3 months, with no contract after that period, and then moving away to a different area entirely, can you be exempt from Council tax on the basis of a temporary or very short-term residence? If so, what is that type of exemption called?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

dmg24

It begins on the first day of term. You will need to claim HB for the period before term.

No, you cannot be exempt just because you are only there for a short term!

lindawallace

Thanks dmg for your first point. I do believe your reply to the second point is not entirely accurate. I was told that a very short term residence can be considered for exemption, such as a visitor or hotel guest.

dmg24

There is a big difference in staying in a hotel for a few months (where it would be assumed that you had another permanent abode, and that they were only staying for eg work purposes), and renting a flat for a few months.

If a single person had a 'visitor' staying for three months, they would no longer be classed as a single person. Fact.

If a person rents a flat for three months, they will be liable for council tax for that property. Fact.

If you are so sure of answers, then research them yourself, and then come back with accurate information. Much better to do this than tell someone they are wrong, when they are actually not.

takoo

a) If you live alone in the flat you will pay council tax but may be entitled to the single person discount (SPD). From 7 April 2008 you may be entitled to local housing allowance (LHA) - which may continue for you as a student in the dwelling (but I have not seen any reference to that).

b) Council tax runs day by day so dmg24 is spot on However, I "think" that living in holiday accommodation, eg cottage or caravan, fits the point you are seeking. You still pay CT because the holiday site owner will pass on the CT charge in the rent you pay (I suppose). Check that one out because I am not 100% certain.

re hotel accommodation - Individuals who live in a hotel (flatlet) as their sole or main residence can be liable to council tax.
Good luck and success with your course - when you then get the student exemption - provided your course is on one of the approved courses lists! Also you will need a student status certificate - photocopy it and keep it safe!!

Takoo

CIS

a)
If you move into a flat (alone) in the summer before you become a full-time student, and will not be working/earning in the two months preceding the beginnign of studies , does the Council sometimes begin your student exemption during that summer or does it have to begin on the first day of term and you have to pay while waiting for studies to begin?

Also,
b) If you are letting a flat for just 2 - 3 months, with no contract after that period, and then moving away to a different area entirely, can you be exempt from Council tax on the basis of a temporary or very short-term residence? If so, what is that type of exemption called?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

a) Technically under Council tax legislation you are only entitled to a 25% discount until the start date of the course when you will be entitlged to a Class N exemption. The dept I work in and some others , at their sole discretion, award a Class N from the start of the tenancy if the tenancy is taken on by a person in order that they can begin study at a university.

b)There is no short term residence exemption, especially for the sole/main tenant, again some councils will overlook a few weeks if someone is already paying Council Tax and you are an additional occupant however they are not legally bound to.

re hotel accommodation - Individuals who live in a hotel (flatlet) as their sole or main residence can be liable to council tax.

A person resident in a hotel does not pay Council Tax, they may however be liable for any council tax on a property they hold elsewhere.

takoo

CIS

Could you kindly give the statutory references to the point about hotel living - I had understood (and now want to confirm):

1. a resident guest who lives in an apartment (for example) and has no other sole or main residence will be liable to council tax
2. the owner of the hotel living in a flat (for example) will be liable for council tax on the residence (assuming he/she has no sole or main residence elsewhere) (the hotel is a composite property)
3. ordinary guests with their sole or main residence elsewhere will not be charged council tax by the billing authority (this I believe covers your point).

Thanks

takoo