Council Tax for PhD students
If you have registered onto a full-time PhD programme you are considered to be a student for council tax purposes from the day you register onto your programme until the day on which you complete it or abandon it or are required to leave, including:
- during any vacations and periods of non-attendance with leave of absence.
- during any period you are writing-up your thesis or making corrections to your thesis post-viva
Proving my status as a student
Your local council may ask you to prove your student status, whether you live in 海角社区, London or elsewhere.
You can download a ‘Council Tax letter’ from the Student Self-service portal for this purpose. The letter will confirm your status as a student from the date of registration to the expected end date, which in most cases will be the end of the fourth year.
If you encounter a problem generating a letter or your studies are extended beyond four years you can email the Doctoral College Office to request a non-standard council tax letter: p.g.research@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.
What if I receive a bill from the Council?
Do not ignore a council tax bill if you receive one, as you can be taken to court for non-payment and you can incur further costs.
It is important to contact the council and provide any information that is requested. If you need to provide evidence of your student status see above ('Proving my status as a student') for information on how you can do this. If you are liable, you will need to make arrangements to pay.
How can the University support you?
If you receive a council tax bill and need further guidance the Student Advice and Support Service can:
- offer advice
- help you contact the relevant council
- make representations on your behalf
You can book an appointment at the Student Advice and Support Service through the , by emailing advice@lboro.ac.uk or calling 01509 222765.
Last Updated: 15th March 2023