Council Tax - student & non-student

iklepig

Hello,

I'm hoping someone can help me with a query for a friend.

Up until this summer, two uni students (not in a relationship) have shared a property and, as they both have higher education council tax exemption certificates, no council tax has needed to be paid on the flat. This summer one of the students has graduated. The other student remains a student for another year and will have a higher education council tax exemption certificate for another year. How much council tax is due?

They (as a household) have received a bill of 100% liability of council tax from graduation until April 2027. Does this sound right?

Is it not 50% liability as one is now a student and one is not?

Could the graduate apply for a single persons discount (25%) because they are the sole occupant (as the student is exempt)?

Any help is gratefully received.

Woodstok2000

Full Time students are disregarded for council tax purposes, so the non-student can apply for a 25% reduction

RAS

The CT bill falls to the graduate. They can claim the 25% discount providing they produce the undergrads certificate of exemption. If they haven't already got work as soon as term ends they need to claim UC and CT support. But that's another issue to check.

iklepig

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035632#Comment_82035632

Fantastic. Thank you for clearing that up. I'll let my friend know straight away.

iklepig

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035635#Comment_82035635

Thanks for this info. I know the graduate had a p/t job whilst at uni so no idea if they earn so little that they are now are eligible for UC? The student has a exemption certificate that they are happy to have (re-)submitted to the council with a single person discount application. Thanks again for help.

iklepig

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035635#Comment_82035635

The council area in which they live offers a maximum of a 80% reduction on your council tax bill if you receive means-tested benefits. If the graduate was eligible for UC, would that mean that they would pay 20% of normal council tax in comparison with 75% of normal council ta as a single person occupancy?

Robbie64

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035678#Comment_82035678

Under the 80% maximum CT reduction they would pay a minimum of 20% of council tax amount after the 25% reduction has been applied. This effectively reduces the overall council tax bill from the full amount by 85%.

For example (using a simple rounded amount and assuming maximum CT reduction):

Council Tax: £1,000 per year

Single Person Discount: 25% = £250

Discount of 80% is on £750 (£1000 - £250)

750 x 80% = 600

Council Tax to pay: £150

born_again

They (as a household) have received a bill of 100% liability of council tax from graduation until April 2027. Does this sound right?

Given the change when one has graduated the amount payable will change to the new rate