SCOTS have saved more than £3 billion over the last decade thanks to a scheme that reduces council tax payments for some, it has been revealed.
The Council Tax Reduction scheme will mark its 10th anniversary in April 2023, with figures from October showing 456,790 households – about one in five – were in receipt of the help.
Those on low incomes are eligible for the assistance – which can save people an average of £750 a year, with money also off water and waste charges.
But the reduction policy is a significant pressure for councils. In its response to the Scottish Government’s Budget earlier in the month, the Convention for Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) predicted the policy would put extra pressure on their combined budgets worth £19 million.
Cosla’s “budget reality” document said the cash settlement for local authorities in the latest financial announcement represented a total cut of £100m in revenue funding compared to the previous year when cost expectations were taken into account.
With the cost-of-living crisis putting more families under financial pressure, public finance minister Tom Arthur urged people to check and see if they could benefit.
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He said: “The Council Tax Reduction scheme celebrates its 10th anniversary in April 2023 and these latest figures show the scale of support it has provided to people in Scotland over the last decade.
“The cost-of-living crisis is disproportionately affecting poorer households and now, more than ever, it is important everyone is aware of the help that is available.
“Some people are also eligible for other council tax discounts or sometimes full exemptions, including students, people with disabilities and carers amongst others.
“I urge people to check their eligibility for council tax reduction and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”
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