04 January 2021

Charity warns of council tax debt ‘explosion’

Charity warns of council tax debt ‘explosion’ image

Thousands of people in Scotland have racked up £6.8m in council tax arrears, a charity has warned.

New analysis by Citizens Advice Scotland found the average council tax debt is over £3,000, almost three times the average council tax bill.

The charity is warning of a council tax debt ‘explosion’ in 2021 once payment protections and the furlough scheme ends.

CAS financial health spokesperson, Myles Fitt, said: ‘Citizens Advice Scotland would like to see those who have fallen into council tax debt solely because of an economic consequence of COVID-19 be given some sort of help. This could be through the Scottish Government undertaking to meet the costs of writing off such debt, the establishment of a Council Tax Hardship Fund, or through the long-term continuation of supportive forbearance by local authorities.

’CAS also supports greater awareness the Council Tax Reduction scheme which helps those struggling to meet on-going bills and which could for some provide backdated payments.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Early Help Family Practitioner - 12 month FTC

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£39150.00 - £42861.00 per annum
Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward.Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward. As England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Swansea Council
£73,908 - £85,884
As Head of HR and OD Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Early Help Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6, £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
Durham County Council are on a continuous improvement journey in relation to its Early Help service. We are one of 75 Local Authorities who are part o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Legal Clerical Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 to £28,598 p.a. (Grade 5)
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full time, permanent Legal Clerical Assistant to provide legal clerical support to solicitors and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Practice Coordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356
Do you love supporting practitioners to bring their best selves to their work? We are looking for a Practice Coordinator to support our Social Worker Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner