The Scottish Government have announced support to low-income households to help tackle the cost of living crisis. The Cost of Living Award is for £150 and eligibility for the award is based on whether the person is liable for Council Tax on 14 February 2022. It will be credited to Council Tax accounts of people who meet one of the following criteria:
- a person who lives in a property in any Council Tax valuation band, is liable to pay Council Tax and receives Council Tax Reduction (this is the means tested reduction, not discounts such as single person discount);
- a person who lives in and is liable to pay council tax for a council tax band A - D property.
Certain categories of people living in a property exempt from Council Tax. Specifically, people living in properties where:
- all the occupants are under 18;
- all the occupants are care leavers;
- all the occupants are severely mentally impaired;
- the property is unoccupied because the resident has gone to someone else's home to provide care or the resident receives care elsewhere.
Additionally, people living in temporary accommodation or a refuge on 14 February 2022 may be eligible for a Cost of Living Award.
Eligibility for the award is based on whether a person is liable for Council Tax on 14 February 2022 and will not be considered for other dates. It will not be paid for any unoccupied properties or second homes.
Only one Cost of Living Award will be made in relation to any single property.
There is no need to apply for this Cost of Living Award.
Payment and delivery
The Scottish Government’s aim is for the award to be made to eligible households before the end of April 2022. This Cost of Living award will be credited towards the Council Tax, Water and Waste Water annual charge for 2022/23. For eligible people, this will mean the credit will be deducted from the initial instalments due.
If your household is one of the exempt classes as detailed above or you were in temporary accommodation/refuge, we will contact you to make the award.