Checkwhat youcouldsave oncounciltax

Locals are being urged to check if they are entitled to council tax exemptions after Citizens Advice launched a new campaign and online service.

The service enables people to go online to check how much they could save.

Citizens Advice Scotland say that people going to them for help on this issue owe around £6.9 million in council tax debt, with the individual average being over £3,000.

People in Scotland can check what they’re entitled to by visiting checkmycounciltax.scot.

Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Bruce Crawford are encouraging people to make the check.

Mr Smith said: “This is a really useful tool that lets people know what they could save in terms of their council tax bill. Many people who are struggling with the rising cost of living are severely burdened by monthly bills, including council tax. As a result, some have found themselves in arrears, adding to the stress of the situation.”

Mr Crawford added: “After nearly a decade of freezing council tax bills for people, councils are able to increase these bills a limited amount. With this cap and the exemptions included, more of our vulnerable people are protected.

“This is a great system, introduced by Citizens Advice, and I would encourage folk to get online and find out what possible exemptions they could be entitled to.”

Last week Stirling Council approved a council tax rise of 4.84 per cent. The rate of council tax for average Band D properties in Stirling is now £1,344.29 – a weekly increase of £1.19. The authority traditionally has one of the highest council tax rates in Scotland.