Extra help for people struggling with council tax debt will be on offer in three local authority areas, including Renfrewshire, under a pilot scheme.

The Scottish Government is providing Citizens Advice Scotland with £200,000 funding to better understand the reasons why some people end up in council tax arrears and to work collaboratively with local councils to help reduce and prevent council tax debt in future.

Citizen’s Advice Bureaux in Renfrewshire, Clackmannanshire and the Scottish Borders will test different ways of working including:

- Providing targeted support to individuals facing council tax debt

- Simplifying the referral processes between councils and advice services

- Organising mutual training sessions for council and Citizens Advice staff

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The SNP Scottish Government know many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis , which is why we are targeting resources at those most in need.

“Council tax debt is a significant issue and one that particularly affects the most vulnerable. The three Bureaux involved in these pilots, including Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice, have established relationships with their local authorities. This funding will help build on those connections to support individuals tackle problem debt and also provide valuable learning on how public sector debt can best be managed.

“Advice services are critical to our communities, supporting people to understand their rights and entitlements, maximising incomes and helping to reduce poverty. I am glad that the Scottish Government will invest more than £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice.”