Citizens Advice Scotland project expanded.
People struggling with Council Tax arrears will have access to
enhanced advice through the expansion of a Citizens Advice
Scotland project.
Backed by an additional £2.2 million in Scottish Government
funding, the project provides tailored support to affected
households and works with local authorities to support good
practice in Council Tax debt collection.
The project has already been delivered in nine local authority
areas, where it has helped to promote dignified and empathetic
approach to debt collection and supported more than 1,600 people
with advice on Council Tax issues. This additional funding will
allow the project to be extended across the whole country.
Housing Minister said:
“Any type of debt, including council tax debt, puts pressure on
households and can cause real difficulties for family finances.
Empathy and dignity must be at the heart of debt support.
“This project has already made a big difference to the way debts
are collected in the local authorities where it is in place,
including supporting people who cannot access digital technology,
making connections with mental health services where needed and
encouraging people to seek advice early.
“By helping families manage debts, this project will help us
deliver on our driving mission of eradicating child poverty.
Other steps we are taking to support this include investing £6.9
billion in social security for the year ahead, £37 million to
deliver the expand the free school meals programme, and
continuing to put more money in families pockets through the
Scottish Child Payment.”
Background
Advice and support are available for people experiencing problem
debt - Debt and money - Cost of Living
Support Scotland
