By Ross Thomson

Copyright dailyrecord

Lanarkshire locals struggling with council tax payments are being urged to seek help, as new figures reveal that nearly half a million households receive discounts on their bills. The Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme supports people on low incomes, potentially saving them hundreds of pounds a year. In some cases, it can reduce bills by up to 100 per cent. Scottish Government figures published today show that 458,320 households received a reduction in July, amounting to an estimated £8.2 million in weekly support. Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free moneyadvice.scot service, is urging people to check their eligibility and make sure they are not missing out. The number of recipients is slightly down on June’s figure of 458,380 but remains above the record low of 454,180 in December 2022. Since the scheme launched in 2013, numbers have fallen by 94,000 households, or 17 per cent, from 552,380. Support is available at www.moneyadvice.scot or on 0808 196 2316. John Baird, head of debt services at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “We know this year’s council tax increases have put even more pressure on individuals and families already struggling with rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis. “We’ve seen unprecedented demand for our services, and it’s heart-breaking to see people distressed over council tax debt. Demands for payment and threats of enforcement can make money worries even more stressful. “That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to. “The Council Tax Reduction scheme is there to help, and we want to make sure everyone eligible knows about it. Our advisers can guide people through the process and check if they qualify. “With the right support, people can manage their debts, avoid serious consequences, and work with local authorities to find fair, sustainable solutions. “People can get help at www.moneyadvice.scot or on 0808 196 2316.” Council tax arrears are a ‘priority debt’, meaning they should be addressed before other debts to avoid harsher enforcement measures, such as bank or wage arrestment. Councils can seize benefits and take other actions to recover the owed payments, risking the loss of homes or tenancy agreements if left unresolved. Advice Direct Scotland urges anyone who has missed a payment to contact their council immediately and request to pay in smaller amounts, rather than waiting to be contacted. The charity revealed earlier this year that some households were already facing council tax debts of up to £15,000 before rates rose across the country at the start of April. The CTR scheme takes into account a household’s income, savings, and personal circumstances, and is open to everyone, including those not receiving benefits. People can check their eligibility through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council. Entitlement depends on income, savings and other factors, such as whether there are children in the household, if anyone living there has a disability, or if the household receives certain state benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related Employment Support Allowance. If you live with another adult who is not your partner, you may not receive the same level of CTR, as the other person is expected to contribute to the council tax bill. Even those who do not receive benefits can apply if they are on a low income and have savings below £16,000. *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .