Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Bruce Crawford are urging local people to check if they are entitled to Council Tax exemptions after Citizens Advice has launched a new campaign and online service, enabling 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.

Commenting, Alyn 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 on Council Tax, adding to the stress of the situation.”

Bruce Crawford added:

“After nearly a decade of freezing Council Tax bills for people, Councils are able to increase Council Tax 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.”