Any postgrads with funding from a research council?

Hi all.  I have just been told by the Arts and Humanities Research Council that I can not apply for funding because, although I have now lived in the UK for 3 years, I had not lived here for 3 years when I began my course (last year).  I'm wondering if anyone in a similar situation has actually received funding from one of the research councils. 

My university has me enrolled as a British resident on home fees and would have been happy to put me forward for AHRC funding, only I asked about some wording on residency in the application guidance notes.  I always say it's best not to rock the boat!  First my uni said my residency was fine, as I have lived here for 3 years now, have ILR, and originally came on a spouse visa (not for the purpose of education), but then they called the AHRC to make sure, and the AHRC said they do not give funding to anyone who did not live in the UK for 3 years before starting their course.  I am wondering if this is really true, as it seems utterly ridiculous!

Does anyone have any experience arguing residency with a research council?

Sorry, I don't have any experience with any research councils, but I'm looking at finishing my bachelors.  From looking at universities stipulations on residency fees I have to be living here for 3 years before the school term begins (of the first of my 3 years) in order to qualify to pay British fees.  This may be a new rule that has taken effect, since I was looking at going back to school this year and as of last year you had to be living in the country for two years on a spousal visa to qualify for residency fees.

Yes, I know I'm going on about fees, but this may be a correlating fact that they may be universalizing between fees and funding.     If you want further info you may want to contact Citizens Advice or even contact AHRC directly and have a word with them in regards to your case.  Who knows?  You may be able to get them to make a special consession for you.  Good luck & best wishes! ~Christine