The charity commissioned YouGov to conduct the analysis, which suggests that 276,186 people in Scotland had missed a council tax payment at least once from December 2022.
Myles Fitt, CAS financial health spokesperson said: “The sheer scale of people who have missed a council tax payment last year is alarming. That’s 270,000 people receiving a bill for payment of the full year of council tax because of that missed payment. 270,000 potentially facing a bank arrestment if payment can’t be made. 270,000 people potentially in need of advice as council tax debt is nearly always connected to other debts.
“The cost-of-living crisis is undoubtedly a key factor in this.
“People are prioritising essential costs like heating, food and shelter and in some cases that means skipping or not being able to pay their monthly council tax bill. People don’t see immediate tangible consequences of not paying their council tax – the bins still get emptied and street lights stay on – in the way that they do if food cannot be bought or energy bills are left unpaid.
“But council tax should be regarded as a priority bill simply because the debt collection process is quicker and harsher than commercial debt like credit cards, such as arresting bank accounts which can include benefit payments.
“As council tax bills land on doorsteps in the coming weeks for next financial year, we urge people to factor in the consequences of not paying council as they determine their spending priorities.”
CAS is running the Stressed about Debt campaign, encouraging people who are worried about money and debt to seek advice from the Citizens Advice network.
To get help or advice, click HERE
