Council tax exemption for a student who earns very well

[tiredofwork]

Just for traffic / out of interest, following an offline discussion with someone.

Do you think someone who is a full-time student but also brings in a very good wage (say, £50K-£60K, a mature student still working in their previous profession) should be entitled to claim student exemption from the council tax (around £2K, they are a homeowner)?

YABU - no, this is a measure designed for young people with pocket money wages and rented shared households, this student is an atypical case and should not exploit this opportunity.

YANBU - they are legally entitled to it due to being a student, and there's nothing morally wrong with it.

Also to add - the number of people who are 'full time' students but still working must be very very small - you need at least 21 hours of coursework a week to be considered full time.
I didn't even think it was possible.
If this is real then kudos to them and you sound a bit jealous...

No they shouldn’t be entitled to free council tax

@bruffin

My dd has just graduated but staying on in the same house that is otherwise all students and has to pay 2000 in council tax by herself earning 25k and that is with the 25% discount

This is bizarre... I think she has (at least a moral) case to share the load a bit more equally between the tenants. That's more than one month of her salary gone on the council tax only!

In the grand scheme of thingsthey are entitled to it and it disadvantages no one.

@Skiptheheartsandflowers

Do you pay over and above what you're required to in tax, OP?

I'm far more concerned about companies who make massive profits exploiting loopholes in order to avoid paying tax, than I am about one individual who will be in this position for 3 years maximum.

I agree re the large scale tax optimisation schemes, but in this case it is more about the morality of personal decision making. And I agree that closing this loophole (i.e. making the benefit income-based) probably would cost more money than keeping it open. My question was more about whether you think it is right or wrong as personal decision making (as you have to apply for it explicitly, it is not automatic).

I'm just surprised they've got time for extra admin if they're doing a full time job and a full time degree (i can't see the point paying for and doing one which isn't pretty much as much work as a full time job).

@ErrolTheDragon

I'm just surprised they've got time for extra admin if they're doing a full time job and a full time degree (i can't see the point paying for and doing one which isn't pretty much as much work as a full time job).

It is not a full time job, and the degree is a masters so quite laid back.

@Mummyoflittledragon

As this is a hobby degree, I 100% think the person should be paying full council tax.

OP thinks it is a 'hobby' degree, but we have no idea what they are studying and other people may have other opinions. Studying has been known to help stave off dementia and so for the over fifties (as i am) in my book that is a good enough reason for studying anything at all.

@TractorAndHeadphones

Also to add - the number of people who are 'full time' students but still working must be very very small - you need at least 21 hours of coursework a week to be considered full time. I didn't even think it was possible. If this is real then kudos to them and you sound a bit jealous...

No, not jealous at all. I am the student in this scenario, to be fully transparent.

Is it really any different to relatively wealthy pensioners / people working past pensionable age claiming
Free TV licences (until recently)
Free prescriptions
Attendance Allowance
Bus passes

Or indeed anyone who doesn't strictly need something claiming it, even though they're entitled?

Also, which part of a part-time Masters in any subject (whilst doing a job at the same time) can possibly be described as 'laid back'?

It's hard work. Have you ever tried to do it?

I have claimed for the last 2 years. So we get 25% discount as I am disregarded and partner gets single person rates.

I am doing a second degree "for fun" and probably a masters too. I also worked one day a week getting 1/5 of my old "head accountant" salary.
It's hardly a scam. It's the sane as Rich older people getting winter fuel allowance. I also claim student discounts when offered and travel discounts. It's not really any sort of moral decision.

I also paid for the degree in full.

@tiredofwork
I know, but she doesnt want to ask . She is moving out when her lease finishes and getting a smaller place with an earner.
She knew she would have to pay CT but not that much. Its a large 5 bed house so a high band.

@beigebrownblue

Also, which part of a part-time Masters in any subject (whilst doing a job at the same time) can possibly be described as 'laid back'?

It's hard work. Have you ever tried to do it?

Well, I don't really want to say what the subject is, but something like philosophy. Technically yes, 21+ hours but practically can be condensed into a couple of hours / week.

99.9% of students are not in this situation so it’s not like it’s a major loophole that’s costing councils millions. I literally couldn’t care less

Oh if I was do the masters part time I could work sat 50% of my old hours and earn about what the op says. But I am doing it in a year so will stick to one day a week

As is that is a law masters, not sure the subject makes much difference

Does anyone else live in the house ?

No one is going to voluntarily pay council tax. It's my least favourite bill.

@2bazookas

Does anyone else live in the house ?

Only children (ie under 18s). So it is a full reduction.

@inmyslippers

No one is going to voluntarily pay council tax. It's my least favourite bill.

Sorry, just sounds quite funny. What is your most favourite bill?

[quote bruffin]@tiredofwork
I know, but she doesnt want to ask . She is moving out when her lease finishes and getting a smaller place with an earner.
She knew she would have to pay CT but not that much. Its a large 5 bed house so a high band.[/quote]
Yes, so effectively as a single young person she's expected to pay what would be required from a large family (well, less 25% discount).

I think its wrong and there should not be an exemption in this case. Its a loophole OiI'd say.

who the hell would pay a bill they do not have t pay 🤷‍♀️😂

@lastqueenofscotland

99.9% of students are not in this situation so it’s not like it’s a major loophole that’s costing councils millions. I literally couldn’t care less

I understand this. My question was, from the student's perspective, is claiming this discount ethical / moral / right?