More than 461,500 people in Scotland are receiving a Council Tax Reduction off their annual bill. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show that at the end of March this year, some 461,550 people were receiving a Council Tax Reduction (CTR) of around £800 on their annual bill. The data indicates that one-in-five households are being supported through the scheme, which is not available anywhere else in the UK.
Only people on a low income and resident in Scotland may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction, which also provides successful claimants with up to 35 per cent off their water and waste charges. Council Tax rates have been frozen at their current levels in all 32 local authorities across Scotland until next April, however, water charges have gone up by 8.8 per cent.
The new Council Tax bills started in April and are usually paid by instalments - usually over 10 or 12 months - but a claim for a Council Tax Reduction can be made anytime. Entitlement to a Council Tax Reduction could see people receive a lump sum back payment or credit added to their 2024/25 bill. While the Council Tax Reduction scheme mostly supports households on a lower income, help is also available for middle-earners or people finding it difficult to keep up with payments - especially those on a higher band.
To find out about getting help with your Council Tax, contact your local authority and explain your financial situation, they may be able to put your account on 'hold' and agree the ne.