People on low incomes or on certain benefits in Scotland have been encouraged to check if they qualify for Council Tax Reduction. The scheme offers discounts on council tax as well as on water and waste charges.
People who take part in the scheme save on average £750 a year on their council tax.
The support could be very timely as many councils in Scotland have increased their rates by five percent or more from this month. The scheme also offers up to 35 percent of a person’s water and waste charges.
People on PIP and Adult Disability Payment may be able to get the discount backdated to the start of their benefit award.
A person can claim council tax support regardless of whether they own their own home or rent, or whether they are working or unemployed.
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The support can vary as each local council operates their own council tax support scheme. How much a person receives may depend on what benefits they receive, as well as their age, income and savings, and how much council tax they pay.
A person may get more council tax support if they receive a disability or carer’s benefit. Those who receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit may even get all their council tax paid for them.
People on a low income who have less than £16,000 in savings may also be able to get the support.
David Redpath, CEO of Citizens Advice and Rights Fife, recently said: “We are experiencing unprecedented demand for advice on how to maximise incomes to the cost of living crisis.
A person can find out which band their property is in using a tool on the Scottish Assessors Association website.
Some people are exempt from paying council tax. This includes those who are:
- A full-time student
- In the armed forces or in forces accommodation
- Living in a care home or hospital
- If their home is unoccupied and empty up to six months, such as if they are in hospital
- If they have a severe mental impairment, such as dementia.
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