Figures released by the Scottish Government yesterday show that in June this year 9,210 fewer households were claiming the reduction compared to June 2018, and almost 80,000 fewer households are claiming it compared to April 2013 when the new scheme was introduced.

The reduction is worth on average around £700 per household.

In May this year, Citizens Advice Scotland launched a new tool to help people check if they are eligible for a Council Tax reduction.

Responding to the new figures, CAS financial health spokesperson Myles Fitt said: “It’s very worrying that so many people are not claiming reductions from their Council Tax bill. The average amount people could be missing out on is £700 per year. That could be a lifeline for many families.

“The Citizens Advice network in Scotland helps and advocates for hundreds of thousands of people each year and we frequently see cases around Council Tax debt and people struggling with the cost of living generally. It’s clear that many people just don’t know about this reduction - which many households are entitled to.

“We want to put money back in people’s pockets, which is why recently launched an online Council Tax tool can help people get all the exemptions, discounts and reductions that they are entitled to.”