Council Tax
Dwellings that are occupied entirely by full-time registered students are exempt from council tax. However, at present where students share accommodation with non-students (who do not fall into another category of exemption) then council tax liability may arise. However students in the household are not liable for the bill if they are joint owners or tenants with other non-students. The local authority (also known as the local council) will not be able to send the bill to or enforce payment from any full time-student member of a shared household.
The local authority will still be able to enforce payment against occupants who are not full-time students in the household. This would include for example, workers, part-time students or former students who have left their course. Anyone in this position may wish to seek advice on whether they fit into another category of exemption or whether they are eligible to claim council tax benefit to assist with the cost of the bill. Please note that council tax benefit is a public fund and overseas students are generally prohibited from claiming public funds by the conditions of their leave to remain in the UK.
The [SU Advice Centre|/main/support/advicecentre] does have a Council Tax Fund to help home, EU and international students living with a non-student who are having difficulty paying council tax.
We would urge any students needing further advice to consult the [SU Advice Centre|/main/support/advicecentre] in room E297 (telephone 020 7955 7145 e-mailsu.advice-centre@lse.ac.uk
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