Scots seeking charity's help owe collective council debt of £13 million
Citizens Advice Scotland said their clients owned a cumulative £12.7 million to local authorities.
Scots seeking a charity’s financial help owe nearly £13 million pounds in collective council tax debt.
Citizen’s Advice Scotland (CAS) also said their average client owed local authorities £3,420, nearly three times the average annual council tax bill of £1,238.
The charity, which offers free advice to Scots struggling financially, is warning that council tax debt could 'soar' in 2023.
'Explosion in arrears'
CAS Financial Health spokesperson Myles Fitt said: "Council tax debt is the biggest debt issue the Citizens Advice network deals with.
"These figures suggest the cost of living crisis could see an explosion in the levels of arrears across the country as people prioritise expenditure for immediate cost of living needs.
“One option people could use is check to see if they are entitled to any savings or exemptions through the Council Tax Reduction scheme.
"People can go to www.checkmycounciltax.scot and see what they are entitled to."
Free, impartial advice
“People feeling worried about their finances can always turn to the Citizens Advice network for help.
"Our advice is free, confidential and impartial and can deliver real results. We never charge people for advice and are for everyone, regardless of whether you are working or not.”