Facing mounting debts, Scottish local authorities are poised to increase Council Tax by up to 10% in April. Simultaneously, water bills will rise by 9.9%, adding £3.68 to monthly expenses. However, a Council Tax Reduction scheme, available only in Scotland, may offer relief to low-income households, students, and those with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities.
Council Tax bills in Scotland are projected to rise by as much as 10 percent in April as local authorities grapple with escalating debts. Concurrently, water bills are anticipated to increase by 9.9 percent, resulting in an additional £3.68 monthly charge for households commencing April 1 for water and wastewater services.
However, individuals with low incomes, student households, and those with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities might be unaware of the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is exclusive to Scotland.Recent data from the Scottish Government reveals that 460,560 recipients were eligible for Council Tax Reduction in October 2024, securing an average annual saving of over £850. Citizens can ascertain their eligibility for a Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council. The following information details everything you need to know about potential Council Tax savings. Determine if you qualify for Council Tax exemption: You will be exempt from paying Council Tax if: [List of exemption criteria]. Contact your local authority to inquire about your eligibility and the application process for an exemption - a link to all 32 local authorities in Scotland is provided at the bottom of this article. Are you eligible for a discount on your Council Tax bill? Certain circumstances may entitle you to a Council Tax reduction, and the discount amount varies depending on your specific situation. If you reside alone, the full Council Tax is calculated assuming two or more occupants. If you live alone, you should apply to your local council for a discount - you could receive a 25 percent reduction, irrespective of your financial standing. If you cohabitate with someone under 18 or a student, Council Tax is not calculated for individuals under 18, full-time students, student nurses, and some apprentices or trainees. If you are a carer, those who provide care for someone in the household for at least 35 hours per week and fulfill additional criteria may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes. Contact your local authority for their eligibility criteria. Note that this exemption does not apply if the person receiving care is the carer's partner or is the carer's child under 18.Financial assistance for Scots: If there are significant changes to the value of your home, you may be eligible to have your property re-evaluated to a lower band if its value has decreased. For instance, if you have made home adaptations for a disabled individual, or if a motorway has been constructed nearby. You may also qualify for a band reduction if a room in the house is dedicated to equipment used by a disabled person on a daily basis. If you modify your payment method, although the total annual amount will remain constant, you can request your bill be divided over 12 months instead of 10, allowing you to spread the cost and reduce your monthly expenditures. Alternatively, if you can afford to pay the entire bill in one lump sum, verify with your local council if you are eligible for a discount. Apply for Council Tax Reduction: You may be eligible to claim a Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits. You can also claim Council Tax support regardless of whether you own your own home or rent, or whether you are employed or unemployed. Each local council is responsible for administering its own Council Tax support scheme, so the amount of support provided across the country may vary. The amount you receive will depend on several factors, including: You might receive more Council Tax support if you receive a disability or carer's benefit. If you receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, you may even have your Council Tax paid in full. If you do not qualify for this but are on a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings, you may still be eligible for some assistance. Cost of Living Assistance: Local councils: Contact your local council from the list below to apply for a Council Tax Reduction or discount. Get the latest Record Money news Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for money-saving tips, the latest benefits news, winter energy bill advice, and cost of living updates. Sign up for our Record Money newsletter and receive the top stories delivered to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday, with a special cost of living edition every Thursday - sign up here. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_ for regular updates throughout the day or receive money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community.
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