Households across Scotland have received £4.1 billion in relief
since the Council Tax Reduction scheme was introduced in 2013.
People on low incomes are eligible for the benefit if they live
in Scotland – there is no equivalent in England where most
councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of
council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
The latest figures show 460,560 recipients were eligible for
Council Tax Reduction in October 2024, saving an average of over
£850 a year.
Finance Secretary said:
“The First Minister has been clear that one of the Scottish
Government's key missions is to eradicate child poverty. The
Council Tax Reduction scheme is just one of the groundbreaking
initiatives that we have introduced and continue to fund to
support households.
“Alongside the Scottish Child Payment, we will continue the fight
against poverty through the Scottish Budget by providing vital
funding for universal winter heating payments for older Scots,
and investment to allow the mitigation of the two-child cap from
2026.
“I urge people to check their eligibility for Council Tax
reduction, Council Tax discounts and other financial support by
visiting our online resources or by contacting their local
council.”
Background
People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax
Reduction through mygov.scot or by
contacting their local council.
Council Tax Reduction supports
over 450,000 households - gov.scot
