If you believe that you may be entitled to a reduction because one/many of the residents of the property are students, then the following is a guideline of what the classification of a student is for Council Tax purposes.

For Council Tax purposes a student must be:

• attending a University, polytechnic or college course which lasts for at least an academic year (which takes at least 24 weeks a year) and involves at least 21 hours of study per week during term time.

Or

• under the age of 20 and studying for more than 3 months and at least 12 hours per week for any qualification up to ‘A’ level, ONC or OND standard.

Please note correspondence courses, evening classes or courses taken in connection with a person’s job, such as on day-release, do not count.

Or

• a student nurse who is undertaking a nursing or midwifery diploma course.
• foreign language assistant who is registered with the British Council

If all occupants are students, then provided we receive a completed form for each individual AND the current years student certificate, then an exemption will be awarded against the Council Tax, (See exemptions pages) whilst those circumstances remain unchanged.

If, after completing forms for all individuals there is still one occupier who is not discounted, then there will be a 25% reduction in the charge. (i.e. the bill would be at the same level as if that person lived in the property on their own). If however there remain two or more occupiers not discounted, the full bill will be payable.

Council Tax benefit could still be claimed by any non discounted occupants, if they have a low income.

If you wish to make an application please use the student discount application form.  Please print a copy, complete it and return it along with your most recent student certificate to:

The Revenue Manager
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE

Remember: if more than one student lives in your home you will need to complete a separate form for each of them.

If you need assistance in filling out the form please contact us on 01803 861234 where someone will be only too pleased to help you.