Where can I get help with council tax arrears in Scotland?
You can get free, confidential help with council tax arrears in Scotland.
We help people across Scotland understand their council tax debt and the options for dealing with it, including how to stop or avoid a wage arrestment. Getting help early often opens up more options.
Falling behind on council tax happens to many people, and it can feel overwhelming, especially once reminders, sheriff officers or a wage arrestment become involved. The good news is that free, confidential help is available, and getting it early often makes a real difference.
Council tax debt advice means talking to someone who understands how Scottish council tax debt works, so you can see exactly where you stand and what your options are. We are specialists in council tax and wage arrestment, and we will take the time to understand your situation without judgement.
Worried about council tax arrears or a wage arrestment? We can help you understand your options.
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Watch: how council tax arrears are collected in Scotland and how to stop a wage arrestment.
Please note: The information on this page is general and is intended to help you understand your options. It is not a substitute for regulated financial or legal advice about your specific circumstances. Which route is right for you depends on your situation. Our service is free to use and there is no obligation, and we can talk you through the options and, where appropriate, introduce you to a suitable provider.
On this page
What is council tax debt advice?
Council tax debt advice is help to understand the council tax arrears you owe and the ways of dealing with them. It should explain what is happening, why, and what choices are open to you, in plain language and without judgement. Our service is free to use, and we can help you understand your options and, where appropriate, contact your council on your behalf or introduce you to a suitable provider.
Why getting help early matters
The earlier you get help, the more options you tend to have. Acting early can stop your council tax arrears escalating through the collection process, and can help you avoid enforcement such as a wage arrestment altogether. Even if you have already been contacted by sheriff officers or your wages are being arrested, it is still worth getting in touch, as there may be steps that can help.
How council tax is collected in Scotland
Understanding the collection process helps you see where you stand. In Scotland, unpaid council tax usually moves through these stages:
| Reminder notice | If you miss a payment, the council sends a reminder, usually giving you 7 days to bring your account up to date. |
| Loss of instalments | If it stays unpaid, you can lose the right to pay by instalments and the full year’s balance can become due. |
| Summary warrant | The council applies to the sheriff court for a summary warrant, which adds a statutory 10% to what you owe. No court hearing is needed. |
| Charge for payment | Sheriff officers serve a charge for payment, giving you 14 days to pay. |
| Enforcement (diligence) | If it is still unpaid, the council can use enforcement such as a wage (earnings) arrestment, a bank arrestment, or attaching goods. |
You can seek help and make an offer of payment at any stage, and doing so early gives you the most options.
Not sure where you stand or what to do next? Our team can talk it through with you.
Your options for dealing with council tax arrears
Once you understand where you stand, the next step is finding the right way forward. The main routes in Scotland are below, and each has its own page with more detail.
Special Payment Arrangement
An affordable instalment plan agreed directly with your council. Best for preventing a wage arrestment.
Debt Arrangement Scheme
A statutory scheme to repay in full at an affordable rate, with interest frozen and an existing arrestment stopped.
Trust Deed
A formal insolvency solution for larger debts, which can remove an arrestment and write off remaining debt.
If your wages are already being arrested, a Debt Arrangement Scheme or a trust deed are the routes that can bring it to a stop. If you are at an earlier stage, a Special Payment Arrangement may be all you need.
What to expect when you get in touch
When you contact us, we start with a friendly, no-pressure conversation to understand your situation. From there we will explain the options that are relevant to you, and, with your permission, we can contact your council or introduce you to a suitable provider to help put a solution in place. Our support does not stop there, and we will stay alongside you as things progress.
Who is it for?
Council tax debt advice is for anyone in Scotland who is worried about council tax arrears, whether you have just missed a payment, have heard from sheriff officers, or your wages are already being arrested. It is free, confidential and without obligation, so there is nothing to lose by finding out where you stand.
Where to find free, impartial information
As well as speaking to us, you can get free, independent help and information from these official and not-for-profit sources:
- mygov.scot – If you cannot pay your Council Tax (Scottish Government)
- mygov.scot – Get free debt advice
- Citizens Advice Scotland – Dealing with Council Tax arrears
- National Debtline – Council tax arrears (Scotland)
- MoneyHelper – Dealing with debt (government-backed)
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Worried about council tax debt or a wage arrestment?
Our team can talk you through your options, free and with no obligation.