More than half a million households in Scotland are receiving a discount on their annual Council Tax bill through the Council Tax Reduction scheme. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show 458,950 households (one in five) are currently receiving support, with successful claimants also getting up to 35 per cent off their annual water and waste charges.
Who can get help
The scheme is only available to households in Scotland. While it mostly supports households on a lower income, help is also available for middle-income earners or people finding it difficult to keep up with payments - especially those in 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 next payment date, giving you a bit of breathing room to get back on track.
Exemptions and discounts
You will not pay Council Tax if you are a full-time student, in the Armed Forces in Forces accommodation, live in a care home or hospital, or if your home is unoccupied and empty (up to six months) - for example, if you've gone into hospital. You may also be exempt if you have a severe mental impairment (e.g. dementia) - if you only live with someone who has dementia, then you'll be treated as a sole occupant as they will be disregarded, but you won't both be exempt.
If you live alone, you could get a 25 per cent reduction, regardless of your financial circumstances. Council Tax is not calculated for anyone aged under 18, full-time students, student nurses and some apprentices or trainees. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours per week and who meet additional criteria may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes - though this doesn't apply if the person receiving care is the partner of the carer, or is the carer's child aged under 18.
How to apply
You may be eligible to claim a Council Tax Reduction if you're on a low income or claiming certain benefits. You can claim regardless of whether you own or rent, or whether you're working or unemployed. Each local council operates its own scheme, so the amount of support may vary.
The amount you get depends on which benefits you receive, your age, income, savings, who you live with, and how much Council Tax you pay. You may get more support if you receive a disability or carers benefit. If you receive the Guarantee Credit Part of Pension Credit you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. If you don't have it, but are on a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.
Contact your local council to apply for a Council Tax Reduction or discount. Most Council Tax bills are paid over 10 months, but this can be changed to 12 - as long as you agree to pay by Direct Debit. Details of other help available, including extra financial support or for things like food, heating and electricity, can be found on the Scottish Government's cost of living support website.
