CAB offers help to get bills paid

Perth Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has launched a new campaign to help people who are struggling to pay their council tax bills.

A total of 238 people contacted the local bureau about this issue in the last year.

Between them, those households owed a total of £764,859 to Perth and Kinross Council.

Perth CAB, based on Atholl Crescent, now fears there may be many more people across the region who are suffering in silence and may be unaware they can get reductions, discounts and exemptions.

These exemptions can apply to low-income households, disabled people, carers, those living alone, students and apprentices.

Sandy Watts, manager of Perth CAB, said: “Debt is one of the main issues we see here in the CAB, with council tax debt affecting many people in Perth and Kinross which is why we are launching this campaign.

“There are a variety of ways people can save on their council tax bill, such as full exemptions for people, set discounts or council tax reduction for households with a low income.

“Unfortunately people don’t always claim what they are entitled to, perhaps because they don’t know they are eligible or don’t know how to claim.

“So, in this campaign we are urging local people to check to see if they are entitled to save.

“You can do this easily using our online tool at www.checkmycounciltax. scot, or if you prefer you can come to Perth CAB in person.

“Last year the Citizens Advice network in Scotland helped people save an average of £380 on their council tax bills.

“Remember too that all CAB advice is free, confidential and completely independent.”

As part of this two-week long campaign, Perth CAB is holding two information events in the region, where residents can go along and enjoy a bowl of soup and get some impartial advice.

The first takes place on Tuesday, March 10 from 11am until 1.30pm at Riverside Church in the Muirton area of Perth, and a second at Aberfeldy Parish Church on Friday, March 13, again from 11am until 1.30pm.