For immediate release:

NEW FIGURES: 30,000 SOUTH LAN HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVING COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION SUPPORT

New figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that over 30,000 South Lanarkshire households were supported through the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme in December 2023.

The means-tested council tax reduction scheme, which the Scottish Government introduced in 2013, reduces or eliminates the council tax liability of around 450,000 lower income households in Scotland, depending on household circumstances and ability to pay.

It is estimated to have saved Scottish households over £3.5 billion in the past decade with the average eligible home seeing £800 come off their bills per year.

In addition to around one in five households benefitting from CTR, all council tax payers in Scotland will see their council tax frozen by the Scottish Government this year.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“We know that many people are struggling with their finances, and so supporting people through the cost of living crisis is the Scottish Government’s top priority.

“Council tax is already lower in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, but the council tax reduction scheme, coupled with the Scottish Government’s council tax freeze, will bring much needed financial relief to those households who are struggling in the face of rising prices.

“These figures show that the CTR scheme is helping people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang – with over 30,000 households across South Lanarkshire benefitting.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to check whether they can get support through the scheme.”

Responsibility for administering the council tax reduction scheme rests with local authorities. You may be entitled for help under the scheme if you are in receipt of certain benefits or have low income and capital below £16,000.

To find out more, visit: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200181/you_and_your_household/662/council_tax_reduction_scheme.

ENDS