Council Tax

Other

I am confused about council tax. The shorthold tenancy ageement states that the tenant is responsible for paying any council tax. However, our local tax ofice tells the students in my student house that I, as the landlord, should pay council tax.
I, in turn, say to the students that when their tax exemption certificates run out, they must pay council tax.
If they refuse to pay the council, even though the agreement states that they should make arrangements to pay the council direct, the council are going to simply send me the bill.
Would I be able to take the tenants (or their guarrantors) to the small claims court over this?
many thanks for your help, Olivia