Council Tax Debt Advice

Where can I get help with council tax arrears in Scotland?

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.

Watch: how council tax arrears are collected in Scotland and how to stop a wage arrestment.

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:

You can seek help and make an offer of payment at any stage, and doing so early gives you the most options.

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.

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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Council tax arrears, in detail

• What Happens If You Do Not Pay Your Council Tax In Scotland The notices, the summary warrant that adds 10%, and what sheriff officers can do once the council instructs them.
• How Much Is The 10% Summary Warrant Penalty What the surcharge is charged on, when it is added to your account, whether it can be removed, and why it is not a sheriff officer fee.
• Can Council Tax Arrears Go Into A Debt Arrangement Scheme Which parts of a council tax account can go into a Debt Payment Programme, which stay out, and what approval does to a wage arrestment.
• Do Council Tax Arrears Show On Your Credit Report Why council tax stays off your credit file in Scotland, what a council uses instead of a credit marker, and which worry is worth your time.
• How Far Back Can A Council Chase Council Tax Arrears The 20-year limit that applies to council tax in Scotland, what restarts the clock, and how to ask the council for a breakdown by year.
• When Does Council Tax Debt Become Statute Barred In Scotland Why council tax sits on the twenty-year prescription rather than the five-year one, when the clock starts, and what interrupts it.
• How Quickly Can A Council Take Action Over Council Tax Arrears The real timetable from a missed instalment to a summary warrant, and what answering the letter does to the clock.
• What Should You Do If You Receive A Summary Warrant The first week after a warrant arrives, what it lets the council do next, and whether a payment arrangement is still possible.