Scheme to help Scots struggling with council tax debt to be expanded

Scottish Government funding will allow a scheme set up to help those struggling with council tax debts to be expanded nationwide.

An additional £2.2 million is being provided to Citizens Advice Scotland to roll out the scheme – which is currently being run in nine local authority areas – all across the country.

It comes after local government leaders announced a series of inflation busting increases to council tax bills – with Falkirk Council imposing a 15.6% rise, the highest in Scotland.

The scheme promotes what is described as a “dignified and empathetic approach to debt collection”, with more than 1,600 people so far who are struggling with unpaid council tax having benefited from advice.

Speaking about the initiative, housing minister Paul McLennan said: “Any type of debt, including council tax debt, puts pressure on households and can cause real difficulties for family finances. Empathy and dignity must be at the heart of debt support.

“This project has already made a big difference to the way debts are collected in the local authorities where it is in place, including supporting people who cannot access digital technology, making connections with mental health services where needed and encouraging people to seek advice early.”

The minister continued: “By helping families manage debts, this project will help us deliver on our driving mission of eradicating child poverty.

“Other steps we are taking to support this include investing £6.9 billion in social security for the year ahead, £37 million to expand the free school meals programme, and continuing to put more money in families’ pockets through the Scottish Child Payment.”