Council Tax Debt Risks Plunging Scots Families into Poverty

A children’s charity, Aberlour, urges help for struggling families. They face rising council tax debt, the highest increases in 20 years. Aberlour wants reform in how authorities collect unpaid bills, seeing public debt as increasing poverty for children. This debt includes council tax, rent, and school meals.

The charity urges political parties to prioritize debt reform before the next Scottish election. Monica Lennon, a politician, calls the situation a scandal, highlighting the debt crisis faced by low-income families.

Aberlour wants fairer debt processes through new laws. They propose debt amnesty for low-income families, prioritizing debts owed to public bodies. They want to expand free school meal eligibility immediately to avoid school meal debts.

Council tax is increasing sharply for many Scots. Five major local authorities agreed on budget deals. Glasgow residents face a 7.5% increase, while people in the Borders will pay 10% more. Fife approved an 8.2% increase in council tax.

Edinburgh councillors approved an 8% rise. North Lanarkshire agreed to a 10% increase. Falkirk residents might face a 13.7% increase if budget proposals pass next month.

Aberlour held a meeting at a Labour conference, urging support for reform from Anas Sarwar. Lennon spoke about poverty caused by public debt, stating that current debt processes need reform and support, rather than punishment, is needed.

Aberlour’s chief executive, SallyAnn Kelly, expressed deep concern. She noted similar struggles for children now as 150 years ago. Scotland faces a debt and child poverty crisis. Politicians must address debt’s root causes and change how public debt is recovered.

The charity will push for its campaign relentlessly. No politician should accept high child poverty in Scotland, and they will make child poverty a priority. Reforming public debt policies is vital at both UK and Scottish levels, Aberlour stated.

The Scottish Government acknowledges public debt worries low-income people. They encourage empathy from public bodies. The budget will invest over £3 billion to tackle poverty and the cost of living. Eradicating child poverty remains a top priority and local authorities got £2.8 million to cancel school meal debts, with twenty-nine out of 32 councils requesting funds.