► Legal
If you find yourself in legal difficulties, no matter what they are - police investigations, legal proceedings, accommodation disputes or authorisation of documents - get in touch with the UBU Advice Centre staff who can often be of assistance in these areas.
In some instances, for example in complicated or ongoing cases, a solicitor may be required.
- Bradford Law Centre offers free legal advice and representation in immigration and asylum, employment and race discrimination cases. Tel: 01274 306 617, email info@bradfordlawcentre.co.uk or drop into their offices at 31 Manor Row between 1am and 1pm.
- Unipol Student Homes has a visiting legal advisor who deals specifically with legal issues relating to accommodation. Call 01274 235899 or drop into their office in the Hub to book an appointment.
- Legal aid helps cover the costs of legal advice on a wide variety of issues for people on low incomes. It can pay for all or part of your legal advice if you are eligible. Go here http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/legalaid/index.jsp#what to find out more. To find out if you qualify for legal aid call 0845 3454345 to speak to an advisor (lines open from 9am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 12.30pm on Saturday). You can also request that an advisor calls you by filling in the online form at http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/about/callback.jsp.
- Rights of Women is a free and confidential legal advice line operated by women lawyers. There are two numbers covering a wide range of topics. For more information go to http://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/adviceline.php
Council Tax And Students
Council Tax is a local tax payable on dwellings; it is not a personal tax. Halls of residence students are exempt from paying Council Tax. The majority of students living in private rented accommodation in an all-student household will also be exempt from Council Tax.
International students here on a limited duration of stay are exempt from paying Council Tax.
The difficulty arises when one or two people in the house are non-students and also whether they are on income support or employed. If you find yourself in this situation and are unsure of your exemption consult the Union Advice Centre staff for guidance or go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/YourlocalcouncilandCouncilTax/CouncilTax/DG_10037422 for more information. Bradford’s council tax department is on 01274437866.
In certain circumstances it will be necessary for you to provide the Council Tax Office with confirmation of your student status. If you require a Council Tax Certificate as proof of status, you should visit the Hub (http://www.bradford.ac.uk/hub/).
How much council tax you pay depends on which band your property falls into and which area you live in.
You need to contact the Valuation Office Agency (01133884500 for the local office) who will go through the classification with you and may be able to review your banding if you still believe it is incorrect. A review may take up to four months.
What if I can’t pay?It is vital that you tell your local council tax department as soon as possible if you have a problem paying your bill. The council may be able to halt demands for pay for a few weeks and help you find a more agreeable payment plan. If the council does not know, it can’t help and will start legal proceedings if you continue to owe money.
Television Licence Requirements
Only the television sets installed in lecture or common rooms are covered by the licence held by the university authorities.
The appropriate colour or monochrome licences are required for television sets installed in rooms situated in the Hall of Residence or in rooms or flats away from the university. Remember it is an offence not to have one - do you want to risk a £ 1,000 fine? The good news is you can claim a refund if you are not staying at university over the summer months (around £29). Contact TV Licensing on 08448006790 or go to
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