A unique scheme to Scotland is the Scottish Government’s Council Tax Reduction (CTR). It assesses a household’s income, capital and circumstance. It is open to all, including people not in receipt of benefits.

The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show 455,220 recipients received CTR in November 2022,that’s around one-in-five households benefitting from the scheme.

1,250 households in Orkney benefitted from the reduction in November 22, however, the number being awarded the reduction is going down in the islands (comparing the awards made in November)

• November 2022: 1,250
• November 2021: 1,340
• November 2020: 1,410
• November 2019: 1,240

To check whether you are eligible for CTR click on this link  mygov.scot or click on this link Orkney Islands Council.

Public Finance Minister in the Scottish Government Tom Arthur urged Scots to check to see if they are entitled to a reduction in their Council Tax. He said:

“The Council Tax Reduction scheme will celebrate its tenth anniversary in April and Scottish households have saved more than £3 billion on their council tax since it was introduced. The support it provides has never been more important and I urge people to check whether they are eligible.”

See also:

Help during the cost of living crisis