How do I let the Council know I am a full-time student?
The University will pass your details on to the following councils:
- Reading Borough Council
- Wokingham Borough Council
- Bracknell Forest Council
If you do not live in one of these council areas you can get a Confirmation of Enrolment letter by contacting the Helpdesk in the Carrington Building.
I am thinking of moving to Reading a few weeks before my course starts. Will I have to pay Council Tax?
Yes. You can be disregarded for Council Tax only from the start date of your course.
One person in our household is not a full-time student. How much do we have to pay?
The property will be treated as if one person is in occupancy and will receive a single person's discount of 25% from the total charge. Legally the liability to pay is on the non-student, however you may wish to discuss this as a household.
One person in our household is not a full-time student and is on benefits. How much do we have to pay?
The property will attract a 25% single person's discount from the total bill. If that one person is in receipt of Income Support/Job Seeker's Allowance (income based), assistance will be given through the Housing Benefit system and the person claiming the Council Tax Benefit should receive the full amount of the bill. The students will be completely ignored.
More than one person in our household is not a full-time student. How much do we have to pay?
There are no discounts if two or more non full-time students live in a property and the total annual charge is payable. Legally the liability to pay is on the non-students; however, you may wish to discuss this as a household.
One person in our household is not a full-time student. They have left the property without paying their Council Tax, are we liable?
No, you cannot be taken to court for the non-payment of someone else's bill.
I am thinking of suspending my studies, will I still have to pay Council Tax during my period of suspension?
This will depend upon on your personal circumstances. Please contact an advisor via the Helpdesk in the Carrington Building.
If you withdraw or abandon your programme of study you will have to pay from the date you finished your studies.
I will be in full-time paid work during my placement year. Will I have to pay Council Tax?
No, providing your placement is part of your undergraduate programme you are still considered to be a full-time student and exempt from Council Tax charges. If you are living outside of the 'Reading' area for your placement you can show the council your Confirmation of Enrolment letter.
I am an International Student and I have my family living with me. Are they exempt from Council Tax?
This will depend upon your personal circumstances. You should contact the Students' Union for further advice.
I am a final-year student. When do I have to start paying Council Tax?
You will become liable for Council Tax from the date your University enrolment ends - usually the last day of the summer term.
I am a research student. Do I have to pay Council Tax?
You do not have to pay Council Tax while you are enrolled as a full-time student. If you change your enrolment from full-time to part-time you will become liable for Council Tax from the date of this change. If you are enrolled full-time, we deem you to have ceased being a full-time student from the date when your period of Minor Corrections ends following your viva. Students who are required to make Major Corrections are not considered to be full-time students and are therefore not eligible for Council Tax Exemption.