Reduce or remove council tax during pandemic

Give council tax holidays away from having to pay, or at the very least reduce it during this time. English government introduced funding to cover those who cannot pay their council tax, but have not found a similar scheme in Scotland.

Why the contribution is important

As a student who has just finished final year, I am expected to start paying council tax in June. I cannot get home due to this pandemic, so must stay in my flat, but simply do not have the funds to afford council tax. Nor do I have student loan anymore - so with no income I am unable to pay council tax at all.
It is unreasonable to charge such high rates when such a large proportion of people are struggling financially right now.

by kirst10 on May 11, 2020 at 10:42AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.0
Based on: 12 votes

Comments

  • Posted by glee67 May 11, 2020 at 10:47

    Agreed
  • Posted by Bec May 11, 2020 at 11:03

    I think there definitely needs to be support for students e.g. allowed to apply for Universal credit. I thought students were eligible for a council tax discount anyway...
  • Posted by Dave_H May 11, 2020 at 12:11

    In these times when I am having to survive on reduced income, I find Council tax to be a huge burden, my second largest bill. Only Food costs me more than the council tax.

    But i don't under the present rules qualify for any relief as I am only just a bit poor, not destitute.

    So I agree giving say 3 months free council tax, to align with the other benefits being for a 3 month period would be an enormous help.
  • Posted by Tarogers May 11, 2020 at 12:29

    To be honest suspending council tax for all would be a financial boost for families who need this in current circumstances. My husband is furloughed but no guarantee how long he will get this and if and when the sector will re open or even his place of work, which would mean we would be supporting 4 kids of my wage which we just wouldn’t manage. My wee sister suddenly passed so we also her funeral to pay for, we have applied for the grant but don’t know if we will get it. Things are really tough for families just now.
  • Posted by Ace May 11, 2020 at 12:30

    Free up council tax payments for this period and don't add them on at the end. Those being furloughed receive less money now. Council tax has always been an unnecessary burden. Stop wasting money on nuclear armaments and we would all be paying less tax.
  • Posted by CathyBenson May 11, 2020 at 13:11

    Replace council tax with a local income tax (with a personal allowance below which you pay nothing, as with national income tax). This would be fairer, then everyone who is earning less at the moment would either pay less, or nothing at all. And others would pay the same, or more if they are high earners. 3 out of 4 in our household are fortunate enough to be able to work from home, and I therefore really don't think we should be exempt from council tax.
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