SNP Supporting People Through Cost Crisis
New figures have revealed the numbers benefitting locally from Scottish Government council tax relief.
The statistics released by the government have shown that 8,200 households across Angus were supported through the council tax reduction scheme in December 2023.
The scheme, introduced by the SNP in 2013, has saved low-income households in Scotland more than £3.5 billion over the past decade. The average home has seen £800 come off their bills per year.
There is no equivalent benefit in England, where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax irrespective of ability to do so.
Across Scotland, one in five households – over 460,000 – receive council tax reduction support. This is in addition to the SNP Government’s fully funded council tax freeze nationwide, which is supporting every household in the country.
This Scottish Government has prioritised support for people struggling through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis – a crisis which is in large part down to UK government economic mismanagement and a disastrous Brexit.
GRAEME
While the sheer numbers of people struggling at present is a damning indictment of a failing UK, I welcome this Scottish Government support for people in Angus.
Alongside a range of devolved social security benefits also unique to Scotland, it is one example of the SNP in government doing its utmost to mitigate the worst of this cost crisis for those on the sharp end.
The council tax freeze will also benefit everyone in Scotland – the right decision at this time to protect household budgets.
People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council.
Details of other help available including extra financial support or for things like food, heating and electricity can be found on the Scottish Government’s cost of living crisis support website.
