New figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that 1,850 households across the Western Isles were supported through the council tax reduction scheme in December 2023.

The council tax reduction scheme, which the SNP introduced in 2013, has saved Scottish households over £3.5 billion in the past decade, with the average home seeing £800 come off their bills per year.

Across Scotland, one in five households receive council tax reduction support. This is in addition to every household in Scotland being supported through the SNP Government’s fully funded council tax freeze.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, said:

“Supporting people through the cost of living crisis is the Scottish Government’s top priority – and these figures show that the council tax reduction scheme is helping people in our islands.

“Nearly 2000 Western Isles households are being supported by this scheme, with Scottish Government support making a significant difference to families’ ability to cope with cost-of-living challenges exacerbated by the inaction and complacency of the UK Government. Additionally, every single home in the Western Isles is benefitting from having their council tax frozen for the next year, funded by the Scottish Government.

“In the face of economic incompetence from Westminster, the SNP is delivering the support people need to get through the cost-of-living crisis and protect household budgets.”