Free support for those struggling to pay off council tax arrears
Buddies struggling with council tax payments have been urged to seek support as new figures show that some people are facing debts of up to £5,000.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free moneyadvice.scot service, has seen a surge in the number of people asking for help amid the gruelling cost-of-living crisis.
It is expecting further rises as new annual bills arrive through letterboxes and in email inboxes across the country.
Between January and February, the organisation recorded a 132 per cent increase in council tax debt inquiries along with a 257 per cent rise in the number of payment plans arranged for those in arrears.
Debts ran into thousands of pounds and ranged between £2,000 and £5,000.
Advice Direct Scotland is warning that hard-up residents are focusing more on essentials like food, housing and energy which is, in turn, making it harder for them to pay their council tax.
Council tax arrears are considered a “priority debt” meaning they should be dealt with first to avoid faster and more severe enforcement measures compared to commercial debt.
Local authorities have the power to swiftly enforce debt collection measures, such as bank or wage arrestment – targeting people in arrears of just one month, including the possibility of seizing benefits – to recover owed payments.
Advice Direct Scotland stresses the need for anyone who has missed a payment to contact their council promptly, rather than waiting for the local authority to reach out to them, and ask to pay what is owed in smaller amounts.
Those worried about council tax and other debts can seek support from moneyadvice. scot which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The free service can be contacted via the website www. moneyadvice.scot or on 0808 196 2316.
John Baird, head of debt services with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Even with a council tax freeze in place in most areas, we know that the cost-ofliving crisis is far from over, and many households will be anxious about their bills.
“We have witnessed a growing demand for our services from individuals facing council tax arrears, and we anticipate more inquiries in the new financial year starting from April.
“We encourage people to prioritise their council tax payments over other bills and to recognise it as an essential living cost.
“Anyone who is worried about their ability to pay council tax or other bills, or who has received communication advising that action is being taken, should reach out to moneyadvice.scot for advice, information, and support.”
We have witnessed a growing demand for our services from individuals facing council tax arrears