Student exemption from Council Tax

General Discussion

Until about 3 years ago I was able to secure council tax exemption for my student properties by sending a list of my tenants to the local university (Buck New University) who would then confirm their full time status with Bucks Council, who in turn would confirm CT exemption with me. In all 3 emails covered my 4 student houses - a very efficient process for all.

Now I am required to email each student asking them to procure a status letter from the uni; on receipt of this, send it to the council; and on receipt of the exemption, send it to me. In all 6 emails per student, or nearly 180 for my 28 tenants are wizzing around. It's a lot of processing work by the uni and council and if only one email fails, the house is billed for the full council tax.

GDPR I believe is a spurious arguement for the change (its legitimate information relating to revenue collection). More likely the uni is trying to discourage private landlords so they can fill their own accommodation.

What is the experience of other student landlords claimimg council tax exemption? Which universities and councils operate an "efficient" process, and which don't?