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.

@burnoutbabe

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

Similar, only it is pretty much 50/50 study/work hours wise.

@Suzi888

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

Well, technically that's £2K gone from the council's budget, that has been paid for the previous decade or so (historically lower amounts, of course - it's been increasing at a speed of light) and presumably spent on something - the council is not in a surplus by a long stretch.

Of course they can pay the reduced amount.!!
Just like they can opt for student discounts when buying goods.
Should a student supplemented by their parents opt of a student cinema ticket if they can afford a full price one?

@qualitygirl

Of course they can pay the reduced amount.!! Just like they can opt for student discounts when buying goods. Should a student supplemented by their parents opt of a student cinema ticket if they can afford a full price one?

I think there's a difference between funding council services and private businesses... the latter are unlikely to do it at a pure loss.

She should have the exemption, because making the student exemption means-tested would just open a whole can of worms and be a load of extra beuorocracy. And yes I know I can't spell buraeocracy.

@memberofthewedding

I claimed CT exemption right upto the time I finished my Ph.d. I was also working at the uni as a tutor. However I believe in claiming all the concessions you legally can.

Quite right too. If a concession is something you’re entitled to you’d be a complete idiot not to claim it.

@safariboot

She should have the exemption, because making the student exemption means-tested would just open a whole can of worms and be a load of extra beuorocracy. And yes I know I can't spell buraeocracy.

But, the exemption is not automatic... so she needs to apply for it, provide supporting information for the decision making (a letter from the university confirming the enrolment and the course details, relationship with the property etc). So not applying for it is actually a less bureaucratic option than applying.

Why do you care so much

Look @tiredofwork, if your conscience is pricking you, don’t claim it but don’t expect a pat on the back for your martyrdom.

At 60k they'll be paying higher rate tax of course they should claim it .

I claimed my discount. I was still working. Don't feel bad about it at all. Morally I've done nothing wrong🤷🏻

Frankly, anyone who thinks it's immoral to claim discount someone is perfectly entitled to, is a busybody idiot.

@Blossomtoes

Look *@tiredofwork*, if your conscience is pricking you, don’t claim it but don’t expect a pat on the back for your martyrdom.

Absolutely not the reason for the thread. The decision has already been made in the past, I mentioned it today to someone who I actually like and respect very much and their position was diametrically opposed to what I have done.

So now yes, started having doubts.

I love paying tax, but not sure my morals are so high to pay council tax I'm not liable for. Would you give up your personal allowance or ISA tax benefits because you feel wealthy and want to help society more? Give the money to a favourite charity instead.

I'm a mature students and could apply for the discount. As we are very comfortably off, it doesn't feel right to claim it though - services still need to be paid for. So I don't claim it.