Press Release: Taxation: Commission requests UK to amend real estate tax regime which discriminates against students studying abroad

The European Commission has formally requested the UK to amend its rules on local real estate taxes for students, on the basis that they discriminate against students subject to UK council taxes but studying in another Member State.

The Commission considers that these discriminatory provisions are in breach of EU law on the free movement of people and dissuade students from exercising their rights to study in another EU country. The request takes the form of a "Reasoned Opinion" (the second step of an infringement procedure). In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer the UK to the EU's Court of Justice.