£4 billion tax relief for Scottish households

Since the introduction of the Council Tax Reduction scheme in 2013, households across Scotland have received a total £4.1 billion in relief.

Those on low incomes are eligible for the benefit if they live in Scotland, which is different from England where there is no equivalent and all households must contribute to council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.

The newest data show that 460,560 recipients were eligible for Council Tax Reduction in October 2024, saving an average of over £850 a year.

Finance secretary Shona Robison said: “The First Minister has been clear that one of the Scottish Government’s key missions is to eradicate child poverty. The Council Tax Reduction scheme is just one of the groundbreaking initiatives that we have introduced and continue to fund to support households.

“Alongside the Scottish Child Payment, we will continue the fight against poverty through the Scottish Budget by providing vital funding for universal winter heating payments for older Scots, and investment to allow the mitigation of the two-child cap from 2026.

“I urge people to check their eligibility for Council Tax reduction, Council Tax discounts and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”