Council tax reduction scheme saves households £4.1bn since 2013

Scottish households have benefited by more than £4.1 billion since the council tax reduction scheme was introduced in 2013, the Scottish Government says.

The means-tested scheme replaced council tax benefit and the latest figures show 460,560 households were eligible for it.

Recipients saved an average of £850 a year through council tax reduction.

It means local authorities forgo income worth around £7.5 million a week.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison urged households to check if they are eligible as the scheme passed the £4 billion milestone.

She 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.”