Students hit by tax

Students from the University of Sheffield could be forced to pay taxes on their household waste under new government proposals.

Millions of students and student nurses across the country could be affected by the scheme, which is due to be piloted in April next year.

Students in shared houses and halls of residence are currently exempt from paying council tax.

But draft Whitehall guidance on the new scheme reveals that they will not be automatically exempt from the new local bin taxes.

The proposals have been the subject of heavy criticism from the Conservative party and student groups.

Both say the decision to charge students for the waste they throw away is unfair.

Ama Uzowuru, NUS Welfare President, said: "This is a ridiculous idea.

"Student houses are bound to produce more rubbish than other households because they have more people living in them, and because they move in and out of their homes more frequently.

"This means students will be disproportionately affected by these measures.

"We hope that this wrong-headed proposal is swiftly dropped."

Local councils will have to consider whether those who do not pay council taxes, such as students, should be part of the scheme.

Chris Warne