Council tax rises could have major impact on struggling Scots, says charity

A citizens advice body has said it is “very concerned” about the impact council tax rises in Scotland could have on people already struggling with the cost of living.

A number of Scottish local authorities are expected to increase council tax by as much as 10% next year as the nationwide freezing of tax rates comes to an end.

Both Scottish Borders and East Lothian councils have already voted to increase bills by 10% in 25-26, while the same rise is also expected in North Lanarkshire.

Meanwhile, an increase of 8% is expected in both Fife and Edinburgh and 7.5% in Glasgow.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) warned the changes would result in about two million people seeing an increase in their council tax bills next year.

Myles Fitt, CAS financial health spokesperson, said: “We are very concerned at the impact these rises will have on people already struggling with the cost of living.

“Council tax debt is the single biggest debt the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) network deals with each year and our fear is these rises could further increase numbers of people falling into debt or falling further into debt.

“We urge councils to do everything they can to raise awareness of the various council tax reductions that are available so that those that are eligible to pay less have that opportunity in the face of these rises.

“Anyone with council tax debt problems can get free, confidential and impartial support from their local CAB or from our website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/

“It’s important to seek help as early as possible if you think you will have difficulty paying. We’re here to help.”

The Institute for Fiscal Studies said bills will need to increase by almost a fifth (18-19%) if local authorities in Scotland are to keep pace with increases in local government funding in England.